Gotham GazetteGotham Gazette is an online publication covering New York policy and politics as well as news on public safety, transportation, education, finance and more.http://www.gothamgazette.com/component/tags/tag/committee-on-finance2018-11-20T00:43:42+00:00Webmasterwebmaster@gothamgazette.comWith Trump Presidency Looming, City Officials Reevaluate Financial Picture2016-12-15T05:00:00+00:002016-12-15T05:00:00+00:00http://www.gothamgazette.com/city/6671-with-trump-presidency-looming-city-officials-reevaluate-financial-pictureBen Max<p><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/images/ferreas-copeland_presser_nyccouncil.jpg" alt="ferreas copeland presser nyccouncil" width="600" height="400" /></p>
<p>Council Member Ferreras-Copeland (photo: @NYCCouncil)</p>
<hr />
<p>The potential repercussions of President-elect Donald Trump’s policies on New York City’s budget loomed over a Wednesday City Council hearing. The Council’s Committee on Finance met for oversight on the de Blasio administration’s November Financial Plan Update, which shows a projected increase in spending of $1.3 billion this fiscal year, as well as additional savings being set aside by the city.</p>
<p>On Wednesday at City Hall, Council members led by finance Chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland had questions for city budget officials, who explained that most of the new spending stems from an increase in federal and state funding. The current fiscal year runs through June.</p>
<p>The budget modification does not account for how Trump’s proposals -- from a promised freeze on funding to so-called sanctuary cities to tax code changes to eliminating the Affordable Care Act -- may affect the roughly $7 billion in federal money that comes to the city annually of late.</p>
<p>While Trump may have a difficult time following through on his promise to withhold all funding from sanctuary cities -- which are those like New York that are welcoming to undocumented immigrants -- he may be able to take a piecemeal approach. Mayor Bill de Blasio <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/city/6634-7-things-de-blasio-asked-new-yorkers-to-do-in-the-face-of-trump-s-election" target="_blank">has vowed to fight</a> several of Trump’s most extreme campaign promises, like mass deportations.</p>
<p>At the budget hearing this week, City Council Members and Dean Fuleihan, director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget, agreed that in the coming months, the Council and the administration must work together to evaluate the impact of possible federal actions and prepare a response.</p>
<p>“Our fiscal management will be a critical asset as we move into a period of uncertainty at the federal level,” Fuleihan said. “At this time, the consequences of federal action are unknown and potentially widespread.” He noted several times throughout the hearing that city reserves are at “historic levels.” This is true in terms of the raw dollar amount, which is several billion, but with a $83.4 billion budget that has expanded rapidly <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/city/6385-de-blasio-city-council-shake-on-82-billion-budget" target="_blank">under de Blasio</a>, the city is somewhat short of a safe “budget cushion,” according to Comptroller Scott Stringer and other watchdogs.</p>
<p>The November budget update anticipates the $1.3 billion increase in spending from the June adopted budget, much of which stems from increases in federal and state funding, including aid for Hurricane Sandy recovery projects. The plan forecasts a $127 million reduction in projected tax revenues, and also includes $1 billion in savings, through changes in municipal government function, like increased use of electronic payments and expanded car sharing among agencies, as well as spending re-estimates at various agencies.</p>
<p>Generally, Council Members were pleased to see that the November Plan includes more savings, which the Council has been pushing for. “The highlight of the November Plan is a Citywide Savings Plan with savings of more than $1 billion in fiscal years 2017 and 2018,” said Council Member Ferreras-Copeland. “This early release of a savings plan signals a cautionary approach and aligns with the Council's push for programmatic, lasting savings that offset spending increases. I'm also pleased to learn that OMB has put together a team to focus on developing real baseline savings across agency boundaries.”</p>
<p>Gotham Gazette <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/city/6607-savings-debate-intensifies-ahead-of-city-budget-modification" target="_blank">previously reported</a> that OMB had launched a new citywide savings unit to coordinate greater agency savings.</p>
<p>Other concerns with the November Plan addressed at the hearing included the added $115.1 million in new needs funding allocated to the Department of Homeless Services for increased shelter costs; the inclusion of $130 million to cover pension fund obligations due to the fund’s underperformance this year; and $14.4 million allocated to the Department of Correction related to the implementation of <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5882-proposed-rikers-visitation-rules-stir-debate" target="_blank">the 14-point plan</a> to reduce violence in Rikers Island.</p>
<p>Of the $115 million in new shelter costs, $52 million comes from city funding, a 10 percent increase from the amount in the budget at adoption. “What is causing FY17's increasing shelter costs,” Ferreras-Copeland asked, “and how confident are you that these figures reflect what the city will actually be spending on shelter costs in FY17, and we won't be having this conversation again in the spring?”</p>
<p>“It's important to remember that shelter costs have been increasing since the end...of 2009, when there were about 37,000 in shelters,” Fuleihan said (there are currently more than 60,000 in city shelters). “We have, with your help, instituted programs - government assistance and other preventative measures - that we believe have changed what the shelter population would be today,” Fuleihan added.</p>
<p>Noting that the homeless shelter population varies day to day, Fuleihan asserted that what the November Plan provided is OMB’s “understanding of that population and the costs associated with DHS [Department of Homeless Services] services.”</p>
<p>Asked whether homeless shelter costs would continue to increase beyond what is included in the November Plan for FY 2018, Fuleihan said the administration is making changes and “hoping to stabilize this...there are going to be more additional plans coming out, and as we do that, we will continue making assessment” as the city gets closer to the preliminary budget.”</p>
<p>Mayor de Blasio has also recently said the city will be coming forward with new plans to tackle the homelessness crisis.</p>
<p>Council Member Helen Rosenthal took issue with the city’s rising pension obligations due to the underperformance of the city’s pension funds, noting that the November Plan included nearly $100 million more than what was spent to cover the city’s pension obligations in FY 2016, and that OMB projects the number will increase by about $300 million in the following years. Pensions to former city workers are guaranteed, with city funds required to make up gaps in the returns from pension fund investments. The city is currently paying billions of dollars per year toward pension obligations.</p>
<p>“I'm concerned about the fact that the city is having to put in more money to our pension funds, I'll be interested to hear from the comptroller as to why our investments are coming in lower so that city taxpayers have to put in our current dollars for our retiree expenses,” Rosenthal said, calling the situation “alarming.”</p>
<p>Fuleihan noted that OMB is “simply reporting the earnings that the comptroller gave us,” and that they are committed to “fully funding the pension system by 2032.”</p>
<p>The Department of Correction also accounted for a significant amount of the funding for new needs added to the November Plan. As Ferreras-Copeland noted, the de Blasio administration has consistently increased funding “over multiple financial plans for the DOC’s contract with McKinsey Group to accelerate and sustain the department’s anti-violence reform agenda.” Since fiscal year 2016 (July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016), the administration has added $24.2 million for consulting fees, including the $9.9 million for consulting fees included in the November Plan.</p>
<p>Yet, Ferreras-Copeland said, neither the administration nor DOC has shared details of the contract with the Council, or information regarding the exact nature of the McKinsey Group’s role in DOC’s reform agenda.</p>
<p>“Can you provide more details on why administration increased funding for DOC consulting fees at each fiscal year, and when do you expect McKinsey Group to finish its consulting for the department on its reform agenda?” Ferreras-Copeland asked, adding that she is seeking information clarifying what exactly the Council should be expecting to see as a result of the added funding.</p>
<p>Fuleihan said the McKinsey group is expected to finish its consulting in April, which the additional $9.9 million from the November Plan should cover, and promised to get Ferreras-Copeland information regarding the McKinsey Group’s role.</p>
<p>While the population at Rikers Island jails is down significantly under de Blasio, to about 7,500 daily, violence continues to plague the facilities. There are about 10,000 detainees and inmates across all city jails on any given day at this point.</p>
<p>Overall, the November Plan’s inclusion of a savings program and increases to city spending were well-received. Some specifics regarding the budget update remain troubling, like the increasing pension obligations, which are projected to cost the city more in years to come, and homeless shelter costs, yet much of the conversation at the hearing was dominated by concerns over New York City’s uncertain financial future when Donald Trump becomes President.</p>
<p>Funds from the federal government reflect about 10 percent of the resources in the city operating budget this year. Trump’s comments have raised concerns among city officials. “Federal funds make up a significant portion of several agencies and authorities - DOE, HPD, NYPD, and NYCHA,” Ferreras-Copeland said, later adding Health + Hospitals, and asking Fuleihan what could be done to mitigate potential damage to city resources moving forward.</p>
<p>“Right now, it’s very difficult to make an assessment as to what is going to happen,” Fuleihan said, though that picture should become clearer in the coming months. “We should, working together, coordinate our response to any action that may be taken in Washington,” he told the Council, and identify what federal aid may be at risk.</p>
<p>

</p><p><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/images/ferreas-copeland_presser_nyccouncil.jpg" alt="ferreas copeland presser nyccouncil" width="600" height="400" /></p>
<p>Council Member Ferreras-Copeland (photo: @NYCCouncil)</p>
<hr />
<p>The potential repercussions of President-elect Donald Trump’s policies on New York City’s budget loomed over a Wednesday City Council hearing. The Council’s Committee on Finance met for oversight on the de Blasio administration’s November Financial Plan Update, which shows a projected increase in spending of $1.3 billion this fiscal year, as well as additional savings being set aside by the city.</p>
<p>On Wednesday at City Hall, Council members led by finance Chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland had questions for city budget officials, who explained that most of the new spending stems from an increase in federal and state funding. The current fiscal year runs through June.</p>
<p>The budget modification does not account for how Trump’s proposals -- from a promised freeze on funding to so-called sanctuary cities to tax code changes to eliminating the Affordable Care Act -- may affect the roughly $7 billion in federal money that comes to the city annually of late.</p>
<p>While Trump may have a difficult time following through on his promise to withhold all funding from sanctuary cities -- which are those like New York that are welcoming to undocumented immigrants -- he may be able to take a piecemeal approach. Mayor Bill de Blasio <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/city/6634-7-things-de-blasio-asked-new-yorkers-to-do-in-the-face-of-trump-s-election" target="_blank">has vowed to fight</a> several of Trump’s most extreme campaign promises, like mass deportations.</p>
<p>At the budget hearing this week, City Council Members and Dean Fuleihan, director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget, agreed that in the coming months, the Council and the administration must work together to evaluate the impact of possible federal actions and prepare a response.</p>
<p>“Our fiscal management will be a critical asset as we move into a period of uncertainty at the federal level,” Fuleihan said. “At this time, the consequences of federal action are unknown and potentially widespread.” He noted several times throughout the hearing that city reserves are at “historic levels.” This is true in terms of the raw dollar amount, which is several billion, but with a $83.4 billion budget that has expanded rapidly <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/city/6385-de-blasio-city-council-shake-on-82-billion-budget" target="_blank">under de Blasio</a>, the city is somewhat short of a safe “budget cushion,” according to Comptroller Scott Stringer and other watchdogs.</p>
<p>The November budget update anticipates the $1.3 billion increase in spending from the June adopted budget, much of which stems from increases in federal and state funding, including aid for Hurricane Sandy recovery projects. The plan forecasts a $127 million reduction in projected tax revenues, and also includes $1 billion in savings, through changes in municipal government function, like increased use of electronic payments and expanded car sharing among agencies, as well as spending re-estimates at various agencies.</p>
<p>Generally, Council Members were pleased to see that the November Plan includes more savings, which the Council has been pushing for. “The highlight of the November Plan is a Citywide Savings Plan with savings of more than $1 billion in fiscal years 2017 and 2018,” said Council Member Ferreras-Copeland. “This early release of a savings plan signals a cautionary approach and aligns with the Council's push for programmatic, lasting savings that offset spending increases. I'm also pleased to learn that OMB has put together a team to focus on developing real baseline savings across agency boundaries.”</p>
<p>Gotham Gazette <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/city/6607-savings-debate-intensifies-ahead-of-city-budget-modification" target="_blank">previously reported</a> that OMB had launched a new citywide savings unit to coordinate greater agency savings.</p>
<p>Other concerns with the November Plan addressed at the hearing included the added $115.1 million in new needs funding allocated to the Department of Homeless Services for increased shelter costs; the inclusion of $130 million to cover pension fund obligations due to the fund’s underperformance this year; and $14.4 million allocated to the Department of Correction related to the implementation of <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5882-proposed-rikers-visitation-rules-stir-debate" target="_blank">the 14-point plan</a> to reduce violence in Rikers Island.</p>
<p>Of the $115 million in new shelter costs, $52 million comes from city funding, a 10 percent increase from the amount in the budget at adoption. “What is causing FY17's increasing shelter costs,” Ferreras-Copeland asked, “and how confident are you that these figures reflect what the city will actually be spending on shelter costs in FY17, and we won't be having this conversation again in the spring?”</p>
<p>“It's important to remember that shelter costs have been increasing since the end...of 2009, when there were about 37,000 in shelters,” Fuleihan said (there are currently more than 60,000 in city shelters). “We have, with your help, instituted programs - government assistance and other preventative measures - that we believe have changed what the shelter population would be today,” Fuleihan added.</p>
<p>Noting that the homeless shelter population varies day to day, Fuleihan asserted that what the November Plan provided is OMB’s “understanding of that population and the costs associated with DHS [Department of Homeless Services] services.”</p>
<p>Asked whether homeless shelter costs would continue to increase beyond what is included in the November Plan for FY 2018, Fuleihan said the administration is making changes and “hoping to stabilize this...there are going to be more additional plans coming out, and as we do that, we will continue making assessment” as the city gets closer to the preliminary budget.”</p>
<p>Mayor de Blasio has also recently said the city will be coming forward with new plans to tackle the homelessness crisis.</p>
<p>Council Member Helen Rosenthal took issue with the city’s rising pension obligations due to the underperformance of the city’s pension funds, noting that the November Plan included nearly $100 million more than what was spent to cover the city’s pension obligations in FY 2016, and that OMB projects the number will increase by about $300 million in the following years. Pensions to former city workers are guaranteed, with city funds required to make up gaps in the returns from pension fund investments. The city is currently paying billions of dollars per year toward pension obligations.</p>
<p>“I'm concerned about the fact that the city is having to put in more money to our pension funds, I'll be interested to hear from the comptroller as to why our investments are coming in lower so that city taxpayers have to put in our current dollars for our retiree expenses,” Rosenthal said, calling the situation “alarming.”</p>
<p>Fuleihan noted that OMB is “simply reporting the earnings that the comptroller gave us,” and that they are committed to “fully funding the pension system by 2032.”</p>
<p>The Department of Correction also accounted for a significant amount of the funding for new needs added to the November Plan. As Ferreras-Copeland noted, the de Blasio administration has consistently increased funding “over multiple financial plans for the DOC’s contract with McKinsey Group to accelerate and sustain the department’s anti-violence reform agenda.” Since fiscal year 2016 (July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016), the administration has added $24.2 million for consulting fees, including the $9.9 million for consulting fees included in the November Plan.</p>
<p>Yet, Ferreras-Copeland said, neither the administration nor DOC has shared details of the contract with the Council, or information regarding the exact nature of the McKinsey Group’s role in DOC’s reform agenda.</p>
<p>“Can you provide more details on why administration increased funding for DOC consulting fees at each fiscal year, and when do you expect McKinsey Group to finish its consulting for the department on its reform agenda?” Ferreras-Copeland asked, adding that she is seeking information clarifying what exactly the Council should be expecting to see as a result of the added funding.</p>
<p>Fuleihan said the McKinsey group is expected to finish its consulting in April, which the additional $9.9 million from the November Plan should cover, and promised to get Ferreras-Copeland information regarding the McKinsey Group’s role.</p>
<p>While the population at Rikers Island jails is down significantly under de Blasio, to about 7,500 daily, violence continues to plague the facilities. There are about 10,000 detainees and inmates across all city jails on any given day at this point.</p>
<p>Overall, the November Plan’s inclusion of a savings program and increases to city spending were well-received. Some specifics regarding the budget update remain troubling, like the increasing pension obligations, which are projected to cost the city more in years to come, and homeless shelter costs, yet much of the conversation at the hearing was dominated by concerns over New York City’s uncertain financial future when Donald Trump becomes President.</p>
<p>Funds from the federal government reflect about 10 percent of the resources in the city operating budget this year. Trump’s comments have raised concerns among city officials. “Federal funds make up a significant portion of several agencies and authorities - DOE, HPD, NYPD, and NYCHA,” Ferreras-Copeland said, later adding Health + Hospitals, and asking Fuleihan what could be done to mitigate potential damage to city resources moving forward.</p>
<p>“Right now, it’s very difficult to make an assessment as to what is going to happen,” Fuleihan said, though that picture should become clearer in the coming months. “We should, working together, coordinate our response to any action that may be taken in Washington,” he told the Council, and identify what federal aid may be at risk.</p>
<p>

</p>The Week Ahead in New York Politics, March 212016-03-19T14:22:16+00:002016-03-19T14:22:16+00:00http://www.gothamgazette.com/city/6231-the-week-ahead-in-new-york-politics-march-21Super User<p><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2014/03/640px-New_York_City_Hall.jpg" alt="New York City Hall" height="450" width="600" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">New York City Hall</span></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>What to watch for this week in New York politics:</strong></p>
<p>This week will be another busy one when it comes to budgets: the City Council continues its preliminary budget hearings and state budget negotiations enter their final ten days - a state budget is due by April 1 and some say a deal could be announced before the end of this week. Don't count on it, though, state budgets usually come in just before (or, as was the case last year, just after) the March 31 midnight deadline. This practice under Governor Andrew Cuomo is actually a serious improvement given that the state used to regularly wind up with late budgets extending weeks past the start of the new fiscal year, which begins April 1.</p>
<p>There are a variety of issues to be worked out, with <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/6226-new-york-city-interests-given-varied-priority-in-three-albany-budget-plans" target="_blank">several of importance to New York City.</a> As always, there are a number of high-profile items, like an increase of the minimum wage or government ethics reform, that could be pushed beyond the budget and into the legislative session to follow. That session runs until mid-June. The budget, after all, only must include necessary state expenses. Expect at least a couple of closed-door meetings among Cuomo and the two legislative leaders, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat, and Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, a Republican. On Monday,&nbsp;City Council "Speaker Mark-Viverito and Council Members will travel to Albany to advocate for the City Council's 2016 State Budget and Legislative Agenda," according to Mark-Viverito's public schedule.</p>
<p>Also worth watching in Albany this week, the Assembly will consider internal reforms <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/6229-assembly-announces-internal-reform-plan-to-mixed-reviews" target="_blank">announced by Heastie and his conference at the end of this past week</a>. The 40-plus reform proposals received <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/6229-assembly-announces-internal-reform-plan-to-mixed-reviews" target="_blank">a mixed reaction</a> from elected officials and good government advocates, but still indicate a number of changes that many have been advocating for years. And, keep an eye out for a related conference in Albany on Friday, which will look at ethics reform through the lens of a state constitutional convention - details below.</p>
<p>While it is another busy week of budget hearings at the City Council, the Council will also hold a full-body Stated Meeting on Tuesday, at which new bills will be introduced and the Council will vote on the two high-profile zoning changes - Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) and Zoning for Quality and Affordability (ZQA) - that have been the source of months of discussion, negotiation, and controversy, and that are key to Mayor de Blasio's affordable housing plans.</p>
<p>As always, there's a great deal happening&nbsp;all over the city, with many events to be aware of - read our day-by-day rundown below.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>***Do you have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics?</em><br /><em>E-mail Gotham Gazette editor Ben Max:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>***</em></p>
<p><strong>The run of the week in detail:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Monday<br /></strong>Mayor de Blasio is doing a series of six media appearances to discuss his affordable housing agenda on Monday. He'll be on NPR, 880AM and 710AM radio, and on NY1, NY1 Noticias, and Univision TV.</p>
<p>Both houses of the New York State Legislature are in session on Monday in Albany.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. in Albany, following the full <a href="https://www.regents.nysed.gov/meetings/2016/2016-03/meeting-board-regents" target="_blank">meeting</a> of the NYS Board of Regents, the board’s newly-elected Chancellor and Vice Chancellor will hold a press conference with the State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At noon Monday, a coalition of over 90 HIV/AIDS advocates will launch a statewide Week of Action on the steps of City Hall, calling upon Governor Cuomo to invest $70 million in a plan to end AIDS in the 2016 New York State budget.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">At the City Council</a> on Monday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 9:30 a.m., the Committee on Health will hold a hearing on a bill to prohibit the use of smokeless tobacco products at sports arenas and recreational areas that require tickets.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m., the Committee on Health will meet for a preliminary budget hearing.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At noon, the Committee on Consumer Affairs will meet for a preliminary budget hearing.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m., the Committee on Youth Services will discuss a bill requiring the establishment of a training coordinator to teach certain agency staff throughout departments such as Parks and Recreation, Homeless Services, and Human Resources Administration/Social Services how to identify runaway, homeless or sexually exploited youth and how to connect them with appropriate services. The committee will also discuss several technical changes relating to an annual report produced by the Administration for Children’s Services and the Department of Youth and Community Development on the number of sexually exploited youth each agency has come into contact with over the course of the calendar year.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m., the Committee on Public Safety will meet for a preliminary budget hearing.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1:30 p.m., the Committee on Higher Education will meet to discuss a resolution to increase State funding to CUNY, and to reach a fair labor agreement with the University’s faculty and staff in the 2016-17 NYS Executive Budget.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 3 p.m., the Committee on Civil Rights will examine a bill to broaden or incorporate a right to truthful information for a variety of activities covered by the New York City Human Rights Law, including lending, employment, and access to public accommodations and others.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">At 2 p.m. Monday,&nbsp;"First Lady McCray will deliver opening remarks at a panel at Fountain House, an organization dedicated to supporting those living with serious mental illness."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6 p.m. Monday, the LGBT Task Force of Manhattan Community Boards 9, 10, 11, and 12 will host an <a href="https://twitter.com/galeabrewer/status/709089409115631617" target="_blank">LGBT Resource Fair</a> featuring New York City Agencies. The event is sponsored by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6:10 p.m. Monday evening,&nbsp;"Mayor Bill de Blasio will discuss affordable housing with an anticipated 10,000+ AARP members from New York City on an interactive call that allows participants to ask questions," according to AARP-NY.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Monday at 6:30 p.m., schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña will&nbsp;attend a town hall meeting of District 16's Community Education Council at MS 267 in Brooklyn.</p>
<p><strong>Tuesday<br /></strong>Both houses of the New York State Legislature are in session on Tuesday in Albany.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Crain’s New York Business will host an <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/#utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=cnyb-events&amp;utm_campaign=cnyb-events-20160218" target="_blank">event</a> on how startup businesses take off in New York City, featuring: Gregg Bishop, Commissioner, NYC Department of Small Business Services; Howard Lerman, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Yext; Rachel Shechtman,, Founder and CEO, STORY; Adam Shwartz, Director, Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech; and moderated by Matthew Flamm, Senior Reporter, Crain's New York Business.<br /><br />At 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, the YWCA of New York City will host “its third breakfast <a href="https://www.ywcanyc.org/events/new-york-city-women-leaders-the-power-of-influence-and-purpose/" target="_blank">panel</a> for Women’s History Month “New York City Women Leaders: The Power of Influence and Purpose.” The panel will include Maya Wiley, counsel to Mayor Bill de Blasio; City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley; and Carmelyn Malalis, commissioner of the city’s Human Rights Commission; among others.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. Tuesday, the Commission on Public Information and Communication will meet to <a href="http://pubadvocate.nyc.gov/news/events/copic-meeting-1" target="_blank">discuss</a> the implementation of the webcasting law and the establishment of a central portal for webcasts.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the City Council on Tuesday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 9 a.m., the Committee on State and Federal Legislation will meet to press for authorization that Christopher Park in Manhattan is discontinued as city parkland.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m., the Committee on Finance will meet to approve new designations for certain organizations to receive funding in the expense budget; to communicate the transfer of City funds between various agencies in FY ‘16 in the expense budget; and to communicate the appropriation of new revenues of $982 million in FY ‘16.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1:30 p.m., the City Council will hold a full-body Stated Meeting. The highlight of the hearing will be the Council’s votes on the MIH and ZQA zoning text amendments.</li>
<li dir="ltr">Before the Stated, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito will host a pre-Stated press conference at 12:30.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Also prior to the Stated Meeting, at noon, City Council Members Costa Constantinides and Ydanis Rodriguez will host a press conference on the steps of City Hall to rally before introducing a bill to create a pilot program for electric vehicle charging stations on street parking. The program hopes to encourage the use of electric cars and reduce carbon emissions citywide.</p>
<p><strong>Wednesday<br /></strong>Both houses of the New York State Legislature are in session on Wednesday in Albany.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the City Council on Wednesday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m., the Subcommittee on Libraries will meet jointly with the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations for a preliminary budget hearing on libraries.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 11 a.m., the Committee on Contracts will meet for a preliminary budget hearing.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m., the Committee on Courts and Legal Services will meet for a preliminary budget hearing.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">At 5 p.m. Wednesday, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCCD8/status/709758093421387777" target="_blank">will host</a> a Women’s History Month celebration at Mott Haven Library.</p>
<p><strong>Thursday<br /></strong>At 8 a.m. Thursday, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce will <a href="http://www.manhattancc.org/MCC_Events/MCC_Chairmans_Breakfast_Series.aspx" target="_blank">host</a> a breakfast event focused on combating the rising tide of cybercrime and featuring Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance.</p>
<p><strong>Friday and the weekend<br /></strong>At 1:30 p.m. Friday in Albany, a <a href="http://www.rockinst.org/forumsandevents/upcoming/default.aspx#Constitutional_Convention_Strengthen_Ethics" target="_blank">forum</a>, “Can a NYS Constitutional Convention Strengthen Government Ethics?” The event, hosted by The Rockefeller Institute, will feature discussion about whether issues of integrity in government can be fixed statutorily, or if would be better resolved through constitutional change. Speaking will be former NYS Comptroller H. Carl McCall; and Columbia Law School Professor Richard Briffault, who is also a former assistant counsel to Governor Hugh Carey; as well as a panel of experts.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Saturday, March 26, Participatory Budget voting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/home.shtml" target="_blank">begins</a> in New York City Council districts running the program. In Participatory Budgeting, Council Members ask New York City residents “to decide how to invest public funds in their neighborhoods.” Voting will take place throughout the nearly 30 participating districts through April 3.</p>
<p>***<br />Have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics? E-mail Gotham Gazette executive editor Ben Max any time:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>&nbsp;(please use "For Week Ahead" as email subject).</p>
<p>***<br />by Kelly Fan and Ben Max<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/GothamGazette" target="_blank">@GothamGazette</a></p><p><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2014/03/640px-New_York_City_Hall.jpg" alt="New York City Hall" height="450" width="600" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">New York City Hall</span></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>What to watch for this week in New York politics:</strong></p>
<p>This week will be another busy one when it comes to budgets: the City Council continues its preliminary budget hearings and state budget negotiations enter their final ten days - a state budget is due by April 1 and some say a deal could be announced before the end of this week. Don't count on it, though, state budgets usually come in just before (or, as was the case last year, just after) the March 31 midnight deadline. This practice under Governor Andrew Cuomo is actually a serious improvement given that the state used to regularly wind up with late budgets extending weeks past the start of the new fiscal year, which begins April 1.</p>
<p>There are a variety of issues to be worked out, with <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/6226-new-york-city-interests-given-varied-priority-in-three-albany-budget-plans" target="_blank">several of importance to New York City.</a> As always, there are a number of high-profile items, like an increase of the minimum wage or government ethics reform, that could be pushed beyond the budget and into the legislative session to follow. That session runs until mid-June. The budget, after all, only must include necessary state expenses. Expect at least a couple of closed-door meetings among Cuomo and the two legislative leaders, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat, and Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, a Republican. On Monday,&nbsp;City Council "Speaker Mark-Viverito and Council Members will travel to Albany to advocate for the City Council's 2016 State Budget and Legislative Agenda," according to Mark-Viverito's public schedule.</p>
<p>Also worth watching in Albany this week, the Assembly will consider internal reforms <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/6229-assembly-announces-internal-reform-plan-to-mixed-reviews" target="_blank">announced by Heastie and his conference at the end of this past week</a>. The 40-plus reform proposals received <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/6229-assembly-announces-internal-reform-plan-to-mixed-reviews" target="_blank">a mixed reaction</a> from elected officials and good government advocates, but still indicate a number of changes that many have been advocating for years. And, keep an eye out for a related conference in Albany on Friday, which will look at ethics reform through the lens of a state constitutional convention - details below.</p>
<p>While it is another busy week of budget hearings at the City Council, the Council will also hold a full-body Stated Meeting on Tuesday, at which new bills will be introduced and the Council will vote on the two high-profile zoning changes - Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) and Zoning for Quality and Affordability (ZQA) - that have been the source of months of discussion, negotiation, and controversy, and that are key to Mayor de Blasio's affordable housing plans.</p>
<p>As always, there's a great deal happening&nbsp;all over the city, with many events to be aware of - read our day-by-day rundown below.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>***Do you have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics?</em><br /><em>E-mail Gotham Gazette editor Ben Max:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>***</em></p>
<p><strong>The run of the week in detail:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Monday<br /></strong>Mayor de Blasio is doing a series of six media appearances to discuss his affordable housing agenda on Monday. He'll be on NPR, 880AM and 710AM radio, and on NY1, NY1 Noticias, and Univision TV.</p>
<p>Both houses of the New York State Legislature are in session on Monday in Albany.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. in Albany, following the full <a href="https://www.regents.nysed.gov/meetings/2016/2016-03/meeting-board-regents" target="_blank">meeting</a> of the NYS Board of Regents, the board’s newly-elected Chancellor and Vice Chancellor will hold a press conference with the State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At noon Monday, a coalition of over 90 HIV/AIDS advocates will launch a statewide Week of Action on the steps of City Hall, calling upon Governor Cuomo to invest $70 million in a plan to end AIDS in the 2016 New York State budget.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">At the City Council</a> on Monday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 9:30 a.m., the Committee on Health will hold a hearing on a bill to prohibit the use of smokeless tobacco products at sports arenas and recreational areas that require tickets.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m., the Committee on Health will meet for a preliminary budget hearing.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At noon, the Committee on Consumer Affairs will meet for a preliminary budget hearing.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m., the Committee on Youth Services will discuss a bill requiring the establishment of a training coordinator to teach certain agency staff throughout departments such as Parks and Recreation, Homeless Services, and Human Resources Administration/Social Services how to identify runaway, homeless or sexually exploited youth and how to connect them with appropriate services. The committee will also discuss several technical changes relating to an annual report produced by the Administration for Children’s Services and the Department of Youth and Community Development on the number of sexually exploited youth each agency has come into contact with over the course of the calendar year.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m., the Committee on Public Safety will meet for a preliminary budget hearing.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1:30 p.m., the Committee on Higher Education will meet to discuss a resolution to increase State funding to CUNY, and to reach a fair labor agreement with the University’s faculty and staff in the 2016-17 NYS Executive Budget.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 3 p.m., the Committee on Civil Rights will examine a bill to broaden or incorporate a right to truthful information for a variety of activities covered by the New York City Human Rights Law, including lending, employment, and access to public accommodations and others.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">At 2 p.m. Monday,&nbsp;"First Lady McCray will deliver opening remarks at a panel at Fountain House, an organization dedicated to supporting those living with serious mental illness."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6 p.m. Monday, the LGBT Task Force of Manhattan Community Boards 9, 10, 11, and 12 will host an <a href="https://twitter.com/galeabrewer/status/709089409115631617" target="_blank">LGBT Resource Fair</a> featuring New York City Agencies. The event is sponsored by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6:10 p.m. Monday evening,&nbsp;"Mayor Bill de Blasio will discuss affordable housing with an anticipated 10,000+ AARP members from New York City on an interactive call that allows participants to ask questions," according to AARP-NY.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Monday at 6:30 p.m., schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña will&nbsp;attend a town hall meeting of District 16's Community Education Council at MS 267 in Brooklyn.</p>
<p><strong>Tuesday<br /></strong>Both houses of the New York State Legislature are in session on Tuesday in Albany.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Crain’s New York Business will host an <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/#utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=cnyb-events&amp;utm_campaign=cnyb-events-20160218" target="_blank">event</a> on how startup businesses take off in New York City, featuring: Gregg Bishop, Commissioner, NYC Department of Small Business Services; Howard Lerman, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Yext; Rachel Shechtman,, Founder and CEO, STORY; Adam Shwartz, Director, Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech; and moderated by Matthew Flamm, Senior Reporter, Crain's New York Business.<br /><br />At 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, the YWCA of New York City will host “its third breakfast <a href="https://www.ywcanyc.org/events/new-york-city-women-leaders-the-power-of-influence-and-purpose/" target="_blank">panel</a> for Women’s History Month “New York City Women Leaders: The Power of Influence and Purpose.” The panel will include Maya Wiley, counsel to Mayor Bill de Blasio; City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley; and Carmelyn Malalis, commissioner of the city’s Human Rights Commission; among others.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. Tuesday, the Commission on Public Information and Communication will meet to <a href="http://pubadvocate.nyc.gov/news/events/copic-meeting-1" target="_blank">discuss</a> the implementation of the webcasting law and the establishment of a central portal for webcasts.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the City Council on Tuesday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 9 a.m., the Committee on State and Federal Legislation will meet to press for authorization that Christopher Park in Manhattan is discontinued as city parkland.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m., the Committee on Finance will meet to approve new designations for certain organizations to receive funding in the expense budget; to communicate the transfer of City funds between various agencies in FY ‘16 in the expense budget; and to communicate the appropriation of new revenues of $982 million in FY ‘16.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1:30 p.m., the City Council will hold a full-body Stated Meeting. The highlight of the hearing will be the Council’s votes on the MIH and ZQA zoning text amendments.</li>
<li dir="ltr">Before the Stated, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito will host a pre-Stated press conference at 12:30.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Also prior to the Stated Meeting, at noon, City Council Members Costa Constantinides and Ydanis Rodriguez will host a press conference on the steps of City Hall to rally before introducing a bill to create a pilot program for electric vehicle charging stations on street parking. The program hopes to encourage the use of electric cars and reduce carbon emissions citywide.</p>
<p><strong>Wednesday<br /></strong>Both houses of the New York State Legislature are in session on Wednesday in Albany.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the City Council on Wednesday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m., the Subcommittee on Libraries will meet jointly with the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations for a preliminary budget hearing on libraries.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 11 a.m., the Committee on Contracts will meet for a preliminary budget hearing.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m., the Committee on Courts and Legal Services will meet for a preliminary budget hearing.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">At 5 p.m. Wednesday, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCCD8/status/709758093421387777" target="_blank">will host</a> a Women’s History Month celebration at Mott Haven Library.</p>
<p><strong>Thursday<br /></strong>At 8 a.m. Thursday, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce will <a href="http://www.manhattancc.org/MCC_Events/MCC_Chairmans_Breakfast_Series.aspx" target="_blank">host</a> a breakfast event focused on combating the rising tide of cybercrime and featuring Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance.</p>
<p><strong>Friday and the weekend<br /></strong>At 1:30 p.m. Friday in Albany, a <a href="http://www.rockinst.org/forumsandevents/upcoming/default.aspx#Constitutional_Convention_Strengthen_Ethics" target="_blank">forum</a>, “Can a NYS Constitutional Convention Strengthen Government Ethics?” The event, hosted by The Rockefeller Institute, will feature discussion about whether issues of integrity in government can be fixed statutorily, or if would be better resolved through constitutional change. Speaking will be former NYS Comptroller H. Carl McCall; and Columbia Law School Professor Richard Briffault, who is also a former assistant counsel to Governor Hugh Carey; as well as a panel of experts.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Saturday, March 26, Participatory Budget voting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/home.shtml" target="_blank">begins</a> in New York City Council districts running the program. In Participatory Budgeting, Council Members ask New York City residents “to decide how to invest public funds in their neighborhoods.” Voting will take place throughout the nearly 30 participating districts through April 3.</p>
<p>***<br />Have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics? E-mail Gotham Gazette executive editor Ben Max any time:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>&nbsp;(please use "For Week Ahead" as email subject).</p>
<p>***<br />by Kelly Fan and Ben Max<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/GothamGazette" target="_blank">@GothamGazette</a></p>At First Council Budget Hearing, Concerns Over City Savings and State Cuts2016-03-02T04:03:04+00:002016-03-02T04:03:04+00:00http://www.gothamgazette.com/city/6202-at-first-council-budget-hearing-concerns-over-city-savings-and-state-cutsCarmen Russo<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2016/ferreras_fuleihan_lillian_zepeda.jpg" alt="ferreras fuleihan lillian zepeda" width="600" height="400" /></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">CM Ferreras-Copeland &amp; Dean Fuleihan of OMB (photo via Ferreras-Copeland's office)</span>&nbsp;</p>
<hr />
<p>Proposed cuts in state funding to New York City loomed large over the first of many City Council budget hearings on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s $82 billion preliminary budget. At Tuesday’s hearing, the Council’s Committee on Finance heard testimony from several de Blasio administration officials, Comptroller Scott Stringer, and independent budget watchdogs.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Throughout the proceedings, two main themes emerged: concerns over what Governor Andrew Cuomo’s state budget proposal means for the city and the extent to which the de Blasio administration is saving in anticipation of an economic downturn. There were also a series of specific budget issues and priorities raised by Council members throughout hours of testimony that first featured de Blasio budget director Dean Fuleihan.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The hearing kicks into full gear the process of negotiating the city’s spending plan for fiscal year 2017, which begins July 1. As Council hearings proceed over the next month, different issue committees will hear testimony from agency commissioners, leading to the Council’s official response to the mayor’s preliminary budget. Their response is due by March 30.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Finance Committee Chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, in her opening remarks, clearly emphasized her belief that the city needs to find ways to reduce costs and increase reserves, and that the biggest fiscal challenge now facing the city is Gov. Cuomo’s proposed budget, which cuts nearly $1 billion from New York City funding.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ferreras-Copeland noted that though the governor has insisted the proposed cuts to Medicaid and CUNY funding “won’t cost New York City a penny,” he made no changes in his recently-released 30-day amendments to the state budget released on Feb. 12. Still, Mayor de Blasio has not taken those cuts into account in his budget, which raised several eyebrows at Tuesday’s hearing. De Blasio and his top officials have insisted that they will hold Cuomo to his word, though no discussions have yet occurred wherein the two sides can work to find the “efficiencies” that Cuomo is demanding.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ferreras-Copeland acknowledged that Mayor de Blasio’s preliminary budget, released on Jan. 21, put forth many progressive proposals, but warned that the city must brace for a possible economic slowdown. As she has in the past, Ferreras-Copeland indicated that she does not believe the administration has a strong enough savings program in place.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“With the recovery from the Great Recession continuing into its seventh year, the city must ensure that it is prepared for the next financial downturn that will inevitably come,” Ferreras-Copeland said. “To be clear, the city is not forecasting a recession and in fact predicts continued - if moderate - growth. But, in order to be prepared and fiscally responsible, the City must take steps now to build up its reserves and find efficiencies where money can be saved.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Preliminary budget estimates put city reserves at $6.6 billion, compared to the $11 billion before the Great Recession ($7 billion was used to pull the city out of that downturn.) The $6.6 billion also marks a percentage of city spending far short of what watchdogs recommend. The plan also includes $1.8 billion under the Citywide Savings Program, which was created by the mayor to find voluntary savings in city agencies. Last year, the CSP savings were $3 billion.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Not only is this amount low relative to the size of the budget, but most of the savings in the plan appear to stem from accruals, delays in spending, and other non-recurring savings – raising the question of whether these savings find real efficiencies, or whether they are just a more accurate reflection of true costs,” Ferreras-Copeland said.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Fuleihan did announce publicly Tuesday that he and his Office of Management and Budget had sent out a letter on Monday calling on all agencies to find savings across the board without reductions in services or relying on new fees, fines, concessions or making any layoffs.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Agencies will be required to find productivity and management improvements by restructuring the delivery of programs or services, using technology to produce efficiencies, improving revenue collection, reducing administrative and overhead costs, and funding underused programs at the appropriate levels,” the letter stated.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ferreras-Copeland said the letter was welcome news. She also laid out at least $20 million in savings identified by the Council and said that the Council would continue to look for savings as it goes through budget documents and hosts agency commissioners at upcoming hearings, which continue Wednesday.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Echoing Ferreras-Copeland, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito noted that the Council would have to build on its reserves. “I believe the mark of a true progressive is not just one who seeks to create change but does so in a manner that is sustainable over the long term,” she said. Mark-Viverito also said the proposed state budget could have “serious consequences” for the city’s budget, but shouldn’t stop city officials from negotiating the budget.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“We can and should discuss the financial repercussions of these proposed state actions,” she said, “but we should not let it distract us from the task at hand.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Council Member Jumaane Williams was quite direct later in the hearing, saying the city shouldn’t take Gov. Cuomo on his word and needs to have a contingency plan for its budget. Ferreras-Copeland called the lack of such a plan “unsettling.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">OMB Director Fuleihan repeatedly stressed that the city will fight for its interests as the state continues its budget process - the state fiscal year starts April 1. Fuleihan emphasized that the FY17 financial plan is a “highly responsible budget” that makes targeted investments, establishes $1.1 billion in new savings and maintains “unprecedented reserves.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Fuleihan said he shared Ferreras-Copeland’s and Mark-Viverito’s concerns. He also stressed the challenges stemming from increased pension costs and from federal funding cuts necessitating changes in the city’s healthcare system.</p>
<p dir="ltr">He laid out the major new investments from the preliminary budget -- including $115 million for the $15 minimum wage for city employees and contracted workers, investments in public safety, funding education initiatives under the mayor’s Equity and Excellence agenda, investments in transportation and social services, along with a few Council priorities. He said the budget recognizes “the very real and concerning economic signals” from around the country and the world and “reaffirms our mutual commitment to discipline, responsibility and meeting our challenges head on.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Although Fuleihan agreed with the Council on the need for more savings, he said the city’s reserves, which will be just under 7 percent at the end of Fiscal 2016, are at the “right level” for the city’s present needs.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Both Comptroller Scott Stringer and Ronnie Lowenstein, director of the Independent Budget Office (IBO), testified that the city’s reserves are insufficient to weather an economic downturn and called for a more robust savings program to boost reserves.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Lowenstein said “even for a modest downturn” the city only has enough in reserves to get through the following two fiscal years after a downturn begins. However, Lowenstein cautioned that it may be quite difficult for the city to put more into reserves if the governor’s proposals requiring additional spending from the city are enacted.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The comptroller’s office has “determined that the optimal range for our budgetary cushion is 12 to 18 percent of adjusted expenditures,” Stringer said. “At the start of FY 2016, our cushion was 10.6 percent of expenditures, putting us over $1 billion below the minimum and over $6 billion below the top of the optimal range.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Stringer reiterated his call to for every agency to strive to identify savings, pointing out that “agency efficiencies make up only 30 percent of total savings in the first two years of the [five-year] plan.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Regarding the letter sent by OMB instructing all city agencies to find savings, Fuleihan said that the savings will certainly happen. “We’re working with you,” Fuleihan told Council members, “this year we’re going to do savings in the executive budget.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Although the city’s finances are in good shape overall, several economic risks lay on the horizon. Most pressingly, Cuomo’s proposed cuts, but also signs of trouble on Wall Street and from international markets, including China.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Upstate legislators “think New York City is a piggy bank,” Stringer testified. “But let me set the record straight - the city is facing real budgetary challenges and, as we know from recent history, our economic path can turn quickly.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Yet another move is brewing in Albany that could cost New York City roughly $1 billion if approved - the proposal put forward by state legislators to impose a 2 percent property tax cap on New York City.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.ibo.nyc.ny.us/iboreports/analysis-of-the-mayors-2017-preliminary-budget-and-financial-plan-through-2020-overview.pdf" target="_blank">Analysis</a> of the city’s finances from the IBO indicate “of the nearly $2.0 billion in growth we project in tax revenues in fiscal year 2017, $1.6 billion is expected to come from increased property tax collections. By 2020, we estimate that property taxes will account for 46 percent of the city’s tax revenues.” While Mayor de Blasio touts that he has not raised property tax rates, increases in property tax assessments create increasing revenues as values rise.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Mayor de Blasio’s decision to aid the city’s struggling public hospitals, known as NYC Health + Hospitals is another issue that must be addressed when the executive budget is released in late April or early May, something Fuleihan acknowledged in his initial testimony.</p>
<p dir="ltr">NYC Health + Hospitals is the “largest identified risk,” Stringer said, as “the city’s public hospital system is required to reimburse the city for debt service, medical malpractice claims, and fringe benefits costs incurred on the system’s behalf. But NYC Health + Hospitals has only made the full payment once in the last four years.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">And as Lowenstein of IBO stated, the mayor is forgiving $337 million owed by NYC Health + Hospitals, but has also chosen to maintain the city’s $204 million annual match of a “federal funding stream, even though the federal dollars are expected to decline because of changes in the health care payment system.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Additionally, as Jacques Jiha, commissioner of the Department of Finance, said during his testimony, “there are some economic risks ahead that could affect city tax collections: stock, bond, and commodities markets are flashing warning signs...the economic situation is not as severe as in 2008, but it is very worrisome.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">During the initial three hours-plus of the hearing, Council members took turns questioning Fuleihan, seeking answers mostly about issues germane to committees they either chair or serve on.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Council Member Brad Lander asked about how the $15 minimum wage for city employees and contracted workers would be implemented and then moved to homeless shelters, saying they were perpetually under-budgeted. Lander said the 15 percent reduction in the homeless shelter population predicted in the preliminary budget was unrealistic, to which Fuleihan replied the city will decide on a more appropriate projection when the 90-day review of the Department of Homeless services concludes two weeks from now.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Analysis submitted by the IBO predicts that in 2017, city-funded spending to shelter homeless families and adults will cost $101 million more than currently budgeted under the mayor’s plan.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Stringer reiterated his call for money spent on homelessness to be spent more effectively, given that the city will spend $1.7 billion on shelter operations and homelessness programs this year across three agencies - a figure that has grown 46 percent in the last two years.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“We have to track the results of that spending,” Stringer said. “For $1.7 billion each year, our shelter system should not be rife with violations and substandard living conditions. We need to ensure that every dollar is used to efficiently and effectively, to serve the 58,000 men, women, and children who sleep in our shelters every night.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Minority Leader Steven Matteo, head of the Council’s three Republicans, first addressed property taxes, which he wants to see reformed, then wondered about the costs of the city’s pension obligations and when they would be fully met.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Because retired employees are now living longer, the city’s pension contributions have needed to increase by about $600 million annually beginning this year. Fuleihan testified that the pension system is currently “71 percent fully funded,” and the city is on track to have the pension system fully funded by 2032.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer called for baselining library funding and ensuring that cultural institutions are adequately funded. He chairs the Council’s cultural affairs committee, which includes the libraries subcommittee.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Council Member Helen Rosenthal, chair of the contracts committee, directed questions to Fuleihan on the feasibility of reinstituting the Central Insurance Program which would allow workers contracted by the city to buy health insurance at lower rates and using the CIP to meet federal guidelines for overhead on city contracts. She also asked about irregularities in NYCHA security contracts and transparency with Department of Education contracting.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Williams pushed for increased funding towards the Summer Youth Employment Program, in effect doubling what the city has promised so far, a concern echoed by Council Member Laurie Cumbo and Ferreras-Copeland.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Cumbo, as chair of the women’s issues committee, wanted to know what the city was doing to invest in women’s safety.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Council Member Mark Levine commended the administration’s funding towards legal services for tenants in housing court and inquired about how much the city saves down the line from anti-eviction services. He also brought up the issue of infrastructure needs in upzoned neighborhoods.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On most of these specific issues raised by Council members, Fuleihan was non-committal, largely listening and expressing that he understands Council members’ concerns.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Preliminary budget hearings continue with the transportation committee and higher education committee on Wednesday.</p>
<p dir="ltr">***<br />by Samar Khurshid and Meg O'Connor<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/GothamGazette" target="_blank">@GothamGazette</a></p><p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2016/ferreras_fuleihan_lillian_zepeda.jpg" alt="ferreras fuleihan lillian zepeda" width="600" height="400" /></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">CM Ferreras-Copeland &amp; Dean Fuleihan of OMB (photo via Ferreras-Copeland's office)</span>&nbsp;</p>
<hr />
<p>Proposed cuts in state funding to New York City loomed large over the first of many City Council budget hearings on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s $82 billion preliminary budget. At Tuesday’s hearing, the Council’s Committee on Finance heard testimony from several de Blasio administration officials, Comptroller Scott Stringer, and independent budget watchdogs.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Throughout the proceedings, two main themes emerged: concerns over what Governor Andrew Cuomo’s state budget proposal means for the city and the extent to which the de Blasio administration is saving in anticipation of an economic downturn. There were also a series of specific budget issues and priorities raised by Council members throughout hours of testimony that first featured de Blasio budget director Dean Fuleihan.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The hearing kicks into full gear the process of negotiating the city’s spending plan for fiscal year 2017, which begins July 1. As Council hearings proceed over the next month, different issue committees will hear testimony from agency commissioners, leading to the Council’s official response to the mayor’s preliminary budget. Their response is due by March 30.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Finance Committee Chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, in her opening remarks, clearly emphasized her belief that the city needs to find ways to reduce costs and increase reserves, and that the biggest fiscal challenge now facing the city is Gov. Cuomo’s proposed budget, which cuts nearly $1 billion from New York City funding.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ferreras-Copeland noted that though the governor has insisted the proposed cuts to Medicaid and CUNY funding “won’t cost New York City a penny,” he made no changes in his recently-released 30-day amendments to the state budget released on Feb. 12. Still, Mayor de Blasio has not taken those cuts into account in his budget, which raised several eyebrows at Tuesday’s hearing. De Blasio and his top officials have insisted that they will hold Cuomo to his word, though no discussions have yet occurred wherein the two sides can work to find the “efficiencies” that Cuomo is demanding.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ferreras-Copeland acknowledged that Mayor de Blasio’s preliminary budget, released on Jan. 21, put forth many progressive proposals, but warned that the city must brace for a possible economic slowdown. As she has in the past, Ferreras-Copeland indicated that she does not believe the administration has a strong enough savings program in place.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“With the recovery from the Great Recession continuing into its seventh year, the city must ensure that it is prepared for the next financial downturn that will inevitably come,” Ferreras-Copeland said. “To be clear, the city is not forecasting a recession and in fact predicts continued - if moderate - growth. But, in order to be prepared and fiscally responsible, the City must take steps now to build up its reserves and find efficiencies where money can be saved.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Preliminary budget estimates put city reserves at $6.6 billion, compared to the $11 billion before the Great Recession ($7 billion was used to pull the city out of that downturn.) The $6.6 billion also marks a percentage of city spending far short of what watchdogs recommend. The plan also includes $1.8 billion under the Citywide Savings Program, which was created by the mayor to find voluntary savings in city agencies. Last year, the CSP savings were $3 billion.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Not only is this amount low relative to the size of the budget, but most of the savings in the plan appear to stem from accruals, delays in spending, and other non-recurring savings – raising the question of whether these savings find real efficiencies, or whether they are just a more accurate reflection of true costs,” Ferreras-Copeland said.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Fuleihan did announce publicly Tuesday that he and his Office of Management and Budget had sent out a letter on Monday calling on all agencies to find savings across the board without reductions in services or relying on new fees, fines, concessions or making any layoffs.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Agencies will be required to find productivity and management improvements by restructuring the delivery of programs or services, using technology to produce efficiencies, improving revenue collection, reducing administrative and overhead costs, and funding underused programs at the appropriate levels,” the letter stated.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ferreras-Copeland said the letter was welcome news. She also laid out at least $20 million in savings identified by the Council and said that the Council would continue to look for savings as it goes through budget documents and hosts agency commissioners at upcoming hearings, which continue Wednesday.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Echoing Ferreras-Copeland, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito noted that the Council would have to build on its reserves. “I believe the mark of a true progressive is not just one who seeks to create change but does so in a manner that is sustainable over the long term,” she said. Mark-Viverito also said the proposed state budget could have “serious consequences” for the city’s budget, but shouldn’t stop city officials from negotiating the budget.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“We can and should discuss the financial repercussions of these proposed state actions,” she said, “but we should not let it distract us from the task at hand.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Council Member Jumaane Williams was quite direct later in the hearing, saying the city shouldn’t take Gov. Cuomo on his word and needs to have a contingency plan for its budget. Ferreras-Copeland called the lack of such a plan “unsettling.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">OMB Director Fuleihan repeatedly stressed that the city will fight for its interests as the state continues its budget process - the state fiscal year starts April 1. Fuleihan emphasized that the FY17 financial plan is a “highly responsible budget” that makes targeted investments, establishes $1.1 billion in new savings and maintains “unprecedented reserves.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Fuleihan said he shared Ferreras-Copeland’s and Mark-Viverito’s concerns. He also stressed the challenges stemming from increased pension costs and from federal funding cuts necessitating changes in the city’s healthcare system.</p>
<p dir="ltr">He laid out the major new investments from the preliminary budget -- including $115 million for the $15 minimum wage for city employees and contracted workers, investments in public safety, funding education initiatives under the mayor’s Equity and Excellence agenda, investments in transportation and social services, along with a few Council priorities. He said the budget recognizes “the very real and concerning economic signals” from around the country and the world and “reaffirms our mutual commitment to discipline, responsibility and meeting our challenges head on.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Although Fuleihan agreed with the Council on the need for more savings, he said the city’s reserves, which will be just under 7 percent at the end of Fiscal 2016, are at the “right level” for the city’s present needs.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Both Comptroller Scott Stringer and Ronnie Lowenstein, director of the Independent Budget Office (IBO), testified that the city’s reserves are insufficient to weather an economic downturn and called for a more robust savings program to boost reserves.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Lowenstein said “even for a modest downturn” the city only has enough in reserves to get through the following two fiscal years after a downturn begins. However, Lowenstein cautioned that it may be quite difficult for the city to put more into reserves if the governor’s proposals requiring additional spending from the city are enacted.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The comptroller’s office has “determined that the optimal range for our budgetary cushion is 12 to 18 percent of adjusted expenditures,” Stringer said. “At the start of FY 2016, our cushion was 10.6 percent of expenditures, putting us over $1 billion below the minimum and over $6 billion below the top of the optimal range.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Stringer reiterated his call to for every agency to strive to identify savings, pointing out that “agency efficiencies make up only 30 percent of total savings in the first two years of the [five-year] plan.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Regarding the letter sent by OMB instructing all city agencies to find savings, Fuleihan said that the savings will certainly happen. “We’re working with you,” Fuleihan told Council members, “this year we’re going to do savings in the executive budget.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Although the city’s finances are in good shape overall, several economic risks lay on the horizon. Most pressingly, Cuomo’s proposed cuts, but also signs of trouble on Wall Street and from international markets, including China.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Upstate legislators “think New York City is a piggy bank,” Stringer testified. “But let me set the record straight - the city is facing real budgetary challenges and, as we know from recent history, our economic path can turn quickly.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Yet another move is brewing in Albany that could cost New York City roughly $1 billion if approved - the proposal put forward by state legislators to impose a 2 percent property tax cap on New York City.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.ibo.nyc.ny.us/iboreports/analysis-of-the-mayors-2017-preliminary-budget-and-financial-plan-through-2020-overview.pdf" target="_blank">Analysis</a> of the city’s finances from the IBO indicate “of the nearly $2.0 billion in growth we project in tax revenues in fiscal year 2017, $1.6 billion is expected to come from increased property tax collections. By 2020, we estimate that property taxes will account for 46 percent of the city’s tax revenues.” While Mayor de Blasio touts that he has not raised property tax rates, increases in property tax assessments create increasing revenues as values rise.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Mayor de Blasio’s decision to aid the city’s struggling public hospitals, known as NYC Health + Hospitals is another issue that must be addressed when the executive budget is released in late April or early May, something Fuleihan acknowledged in his initial testimony.</p>
<p dir="ltr">NYC Health + Hospitals is the “largest identified risk,” Stringer said, as “the city’s public hospital system is required to reimburse the city for debt service, medical malpractice claims, and fringe benefits costs incurred on the system’s behalf. But NYC Health + Hospitals has only made the full payment once in the last four years.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">And as Lowenstein of IBO stated, the mayor is forgiving $337 million owed by NYC Health + Hospitals, but has also chosen to maintain the city’s $204 million annual match of a “federal funding stream, even though the federal dollars are expected to decline because of changes in the health care payment system.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Additionally, as Jacques Jiha, commissioner of the Department of Finance, said during his testimony, “there are some economic risks ahead that could affect city tax collections: stock, bond, and commodities markets are flashing warning signs...the economic situation is not as severe as in 2008, but it is very worrisome.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">During the initial three hours-plus of the hearing, Council members took turns questioning Fuleihan, seeking answers mostly about issues germane to committees they either chair or serve on.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Council Member Brad Lander asked about how the $15 minimum wage for city employees and contracted workers would be implemented and then moved to homeless shelters, saying they were perpetually under-budgeted. Lander said the 15 percent reduction in the homeless shelter population predicted in the preliminary budget was unrealistic, to which Fuleihan replied the city will decide on a more appropriate projection when the 90-day review of the Department of Homeless services concludes two weeks from now.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Analysis submitted by the IBO predicts that in 2017, city-funded spending to shelter homeless families and adults will cost $101 million more than currently budgeted under the mayor’s plan.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Stringer reiterated his call for money spent on homelessness to be spent more effectively, given that the city will spend $1.7 billion on shelter operations and homelessness programs this year across three agencies - a figure that has grown 46 percent in the last two years.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“We have to track the results of that spending,” Stringer said. “For $1.7 billion each year, our shelter system should not be rife with violations and substandard living conditions. We need to ensure that every dollar is used to efficiently and effectively, to serve the 58,000 men, women, and children who sleep in our shelters every night.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Minority Leader Steven Matteo, head of the Council’s three Republicans, first addressed property taxes, which he wants to see reformed, then wondered about the costs of the city’s pension obligations and when they would be fully met.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Because retired employees are now living longer, the city’s pension contributions have needed to increase by about $600 million annually beginning this year. Fuleihan testified that the pension system is currently “71 percent fully funded,” and the city is on track to have the pension system fully funded by 2032.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer called for baselining library funding and ensuring that cultural institutions are adequately funded. He chairs the Council’s cultural affairs committee, which includes the libraries subcommittee.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Council Member Helen Rosenthal, chair of the contracts committee, directed questions to Fuleihan on the feasibility of reinstituting the Central Insurance Program which would allow workers contracted by the city to buy health insurance at lower rates and using the CIP to meet federal guidelines for overhead on city contracts. She also asked about irregularities in NYCHA security contracts and transparency with Department of Education contracting.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Williams pushed for increased funding towards the Summer Youth Employment Program, in effect doubling what the city has promised so far, a concern echoed by Council Member Laurie Cumbo and Ferreras-Copeland.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Cumbo, as chair of the women’s issues committee, wanted to know what the city was doing to invest in women’s safety.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Council Member Mark Levine commended the administration’s funding towards legal services for tenants in housing court and inquired about how much the city saves down the line from anti-eviction services. He also brought up the issue of infrastructure needs in upzoned neighborhoods.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On most of these specific issues raised by Council members, Fuleihan was non-committal, largely listening and expressing that he understands Council members’ concerns.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Preliminary budget hearings continue with the transportation committee and higher education committee on Wednesday.</p>
<p dir="ltr">***<br />by Samar Khurshid and Meg O'Connor<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/GothamGazette" target="_blank">@GothamGazette</a></p>The Week Ahead in New York Politics, November 232015-11-22T05:00:00+00:002015-11-22T05:00:00+00:00http://www.gothamgazette.com/government/6002-the-week-ahead-in-new-york-politics-november-23Super User<p><img alt="New York City Hall" src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2014/03/640px-New_York_City_Hall.jpg" width="600" height="450" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">New York City Hall</span></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>What to watch for this week in New York politics:</strong></p>
<p>Thanksgiving week will see just a few days of political activity, but the beginning of the week is looking busy. Highlights include closing arguments in Sheldon Silver's corruption trial; the continuation of Dean Skelos' corruption trial; the release of the Public Advocate's "worst landlord list"; several City Council hearings and a full-body "Stated Meeting"; two public meetings of the city's <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5915-do-new-york-elected-officials-deserve-a-raise" target="_blank">commission on elected official compensation</a>; and more. See our day-by-day rundown below.</p>
<p>First, in case you haven't seen some of our most recent reporting, a few highlights:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5999-two-new-reps-set-to-join-the-city-council" target="_blank">Two New Reps Set to Join the City Council</a>&nbsp;- get to know Joseph Borelli and Barry Grodenchik, who just won special elections and will join the Council soon.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5998-stringer-joins-calls-to-shut-down-rikers" target="_blank">Stringer Joins Calls to Shut Down Rikers</a> - Comptroller Scott Stringer said last week that the city should implement reforms at Rikers Island jails, but also begin to plan for eventually closing down the complex</li>
<li><a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5994-as-homelessness-crisis-continues-shelter-siting-questions-intensify" target="_blank">As Homelessness Crisis Continues, Shelter Siting Questions Intensify</a> - with dozens of new homeless shelters opening, are they being distributed around the city fairly? are communities being given enough notice?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5996-pressure-shifts-to-cuomo-as-de-blasio-announces-supportive-housing-plan" target="_blank">Pressure Shifts to Cuomo as De Blasio Makes Supportive Housing Announcement </a>- Mayor de Blasio put forth a 15,000-unit supportive housing plan, seeming to temporarily give up on city-state negotiations for a new New York/New York plan</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;">[To read more of the latest from Gotham Gazette, <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government" target="_blank">click here</a>; to subscribe to our newsletters, <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/eye-opener" target="_blank">click here</a>]</p>
<p>Mayor Bill de Blasio had no public schedule Saturday. On Sunday, the mayor,&nbsp;NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson observed "an active shooter drill in Lower Manhattan." After that, the mayor was&nbsp;delivered remarks at Church of God of Prophecy in the Bronx, where he was hosted by City Council Member Vanessa Gibson, among others.</p>
<p>On Monday, de Blasio&nbsp;"will deliver remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for Hunter's Point South Phase II" at noon; "host a press conference to make an announcement related to mental health" with First Lady Chirlane McCray at 2 p.m. at CUNY Hunter College - Silberman School of Social Work; and hold a media availability at about 3 p.m. nearby the school.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>***Do you have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics?</em><br /><em>E-mail Gotham Gazette editor Ben Max:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>***</em></p>
<p><strong>The run of the week in detail:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Monday<br /></strong>At the <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">City Council</a> on Monday, November 23:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Public Safety and the Committee on Transportation will meet to hear the introduction of several bills regarding unmanned aviation vehicles (drones). They will focus on regulation, registration requirements and authorization of use.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Youth Services will meet to discuss several new bills that would require training for certain employees in treating runaway, homeless, and sexually exploited youths, and amend the requirement date for the annual report on sexually exploited children.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Education will meet for oversight on Department of Education’s efforts to help struggling schools. Schools chancellor Carmen Fariña will testify.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Civil Service and Labor will meet to hear a series of new bills that would require successive employers of buildings to retain workers for a transitional time period and extend protections for displaced building service workers to food service workers.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Environmental Protection will meet to hear a new bill that would require the identification of geothermal systems and buildings eligible for them, as well as registration for the people allowed to install such systems.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">On Monday at 8 a.m., The Food Bank for New York will release a new report on the state of hunger and food networks in New York City. The “legislative breakfast” and report will examine the effects of federal cuts to SNAP cuts. Margarette Purvis, President and CEO, Food Bank For New York City; Steven Banks, Commissioner, New York City Human Resources Administration; Triada Stampas, Vice President For Research &amp; Public Affairs, Food Bank For New York City, and “elected officials from throughout New York City” are expected.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 8:30 a.m. The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and Business Forward will host a business leader <a href="http://www.nysra.org/events/event_details.asp?id=712370" target="_blank">forum</a> to discuss the effects of severe climate change on the restaurant industry.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 9 a.m. Monday in Long Island City,&nbsp;City Council "Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer will be joined by several New Yorkers who have applied and have not been selected for a variety of the City's affordable housing development lotteries throughout the five boroughs. Together, Council Member Van Bramer and these New Yorkers in need will express why they believe Airbnb needs to be held accountable for allowing tax-subsidized affordable housing units to be posted as illegal hotels on their website."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Later, Van Bramer will join the mayor for the aforementioned Hunter's Point groundbreaking.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 11 a.m. in Foley Square, Public Advocate Letitia James "will hold a tenant rally and release the 2015 Worst Landlord Watchlist. Following the rally, Public Advocate James will visit Brooklyn Housing Court to ensure tenants are aware of their rights and then tour one of the buildings on the Worst Landlord Watchlist.".</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 11:15 a.m. Monday, State Senator Liz Krueger, together with community leaders and elected officials, will gather at the City Hall for a press conference which will urge Governor Andrew Cuomo to transition New York off of coal power by 2020. Senator Liz Krueger will be joined by State Senator Brad Hoylman; Assembly Members Brian Kavanagh, Rebecca Seawright and Jo Anne Simon; and City Council Members Donovan Richards and Dan Garodnick.<br />[Read Sen. Krueger's new op-ed on the subject: <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/opinion/6004-time-for-new-york-to-cut-the-coal" target="_blank">Time for New York to Cut the Coal</a>]</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 12:45 p.m. Monday, City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, joined with Unite Here 100, will <a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=9ef7d130-3458-4b47-9baa-8cf556422dec&amp;c=c8d09780-6b74-11e5-b7e9-d4ae5292c38a&amp;ch=c8d5a090-6b74-11e5-b7e9-d4ae5292c38a" target="_blank">rally</a> for food service worker retention, supporting a bill that expands upon the 2002 Displaced Building Service Worker Protection Act to include food service workers from being fired from work after a new owner takes over a business. A Council hearing will take place at 1 p.m.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Monday at 2 p.m., Gov. Cuomo&nbsp;will be at the Jacob Javits Center to participate "in New York State's Annual Thanksgiving Food Donation Drive with volunteers and members of the New York National Guard."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 5 p.m. the city’s Quadrennial Advisory Committee <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5915-do-new-york-elected-officials-deserve-a-raise" target="_blank">on elected officials’ compensation</a> will hold its first of two <a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/site/quadrennial/hearings-and-meetings/hearings-and-meetings.page" target="_blank">community hearings</a> to gather public feedback about its work. There is a state pay commission set to convene soon as well, we'll have details on that upcoming. [Read <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5915-do-new-york-elected-officials-deserve-a-raise" target="_blank">our recent look at the work ahead for the commission and the question of whether New York elected officials deserve a raise</a>]</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6 p.m. Monday, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer’s <a href="https://twitter.com/heynowjo/status/661935067044913152" target="_blank">Red Tape Commission</a> will hold a Staten Island hearing for business owners and entrepreneurs, part of the ongoing initiative to remake the government into a partner to businesses instead of being an “obstacle to growth”.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also at 6 p.m. the Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will hold a <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/east_new_york/index.shtml" target="_blank">public hearing</a> on East New York community planning.</p>
<p><strong>Tuesday<br /></strong>At the <a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?sh=hear" target="_blank">State Legislature</a> on Tuesday: at noon, the Assembly Standing Committee on Agriculture will convene for “Oversight of the SFY 2015-2016 State Budget for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">City Council</a> on Tuesday, November 24th:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Finance will meet on a variety of topics.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the City Council Stated Meeting will be held - and as usual, it will be prefaced by the Speaker’s pre-stated press conference, at 12:30 p.m.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">On&nbsp;Tuesday, "Mayor de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray will appear live on CNN's New Day to discuss ThriveNYC: The Mental Health Roadmap for All," at about 6:50 a.m. Later in the morning, "the Mayor will create and deliver food packages with Joel Berg of NYC Coalition Against Hunger." At about 11:45 a.m., "the Mayor will deliver remarks on hunger and food insecurity in New York City." At about 4 p.m., "the Mayor will join bi-partisan local elected officials – including Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Congressman Dan Donovan and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez – to host a press conference to highlight the need for increased federal transportation funding as New Yorkers prepare for holiday weekend travel."</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Tuesday, November 24th, Council Member Andy King will offer Free Healthcare Enrollment and Legal Services to Bronx Residents. In cooperation with MetroPlus and New York Legal Assistance Group the event will help residents sign up for health care and legal services.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Comptroller Scott Stringer will deliver&nbsp;remarks at "NYC Coalition Against Hunger Annual Flagship Event."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 5 p.m. Tuesday the NYC Quadrennial Advisory Board will hold another <a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/site/quadrennial/hearings-and-meetings/hearings-and-meetings.page" target="_blank">community hearing</a> on compensation for elected officials.&nbsp;[Read&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5915-do-new-york-elected-officials-deserve-a-raise" target="_blank">our recent look at the work ahead for the commission and the question of whether New York elected officials deserve a raise</a>]</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Tuesday&nbsp;at 7 p.m. Public Advocate Tish James will host an African Immigrant "Talk to Tish" Town Hall in the Bronx; and at 8:30 p.m. James will attend the Bayside Hills Civic Association General Meeting in Oakland Gardens.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Tuesday evening in Brooklyn,&nbsp;school district 15, which includes parts of Sunset Park, Kensington, Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, and Red Hook, schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña will hold a town hall "from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at P.S. 516...Local elected officials including City Councilman Carlos Menchaca, Assemblyman Felix Ortiz and State Sen. Jesse Hamilton are expected to attend and answer questions from the public from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.," <a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20151123/sunset-park/parents-expected-grill-schools-chancellor-on-overcrowding-at-town-hall" target="_blank">according to DNAinfo</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>Happy Thanksgiving if you’re celebrating. Watch for our latest articles this week and we'll publish a 'Week Ahead' on Sunday, Nov. 29.</strong></em>&nbsp;</p>
<p>***<br />Have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics? E-mail Gotham Gazette executive editor Ben Max any time:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>&nbsp;(please use "For Week Ahead" as email subject).</p>
<p>***<br />by Colin O'Connor, Konstantine Beridze, and Ben Max<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/GothamGazette" target="_blank">@GothamGazette</a></p><p><img alt="New York City Hall" src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2014/03/640px-New_York_City_Hall.jpg" width="600" height="450" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">New York City Hall</span></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>What to watch for this week in New York politics:</strong></p>
<p>Thanksgiving week will see just a few days of political activity, but the beginning of the week is looking busy. Highlights include closing arguments in Sheldon Silver's corruption trial; the continuation of Dean Skelos' corruption trial; the release of the Public Advocate's "worst landlord list"; several City Council hearings and a full-body "Stated Meeting"; two public meetings of the city's <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5915-do-new-york-elected-officials-deserve-a-raise" target="_blank">commission on elected official compensation</a>; and more. See our day-by-day rundown below.</p>
<p>First, in case you haven't seen some of our most recent reporting, a few highlights:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5999-two-new-reps-set-to-join-the-city-council" target="_blank">Two New Reps Set to Join the City Council</a>&nbsp;- get to know Joseph Borelli and Barry Grodenchik, who just won special elections and will join the Council soon.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5998-stringer-joins-calls-to-shut-down-rikers" target="_blank">Stringer Joins Calls to Shut Down Rikers</a> - Comptroller Scott Stringer said last week that the city should implement reforms at Rikers Island jails, but also begin to plan for eventually closing down the complex</li>
<li><a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5994-as-homelessness-crisis-continues-shelter-siting-questions-intensify" target="_blank">As Homelessness Crisis Continues, Shelter Siting Questions Intensify</a> - with dozens of new homeless shelters opening, are they being distributed around the city fairly? are communities being given enough notice?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5996-pressure-shifts-to-cuomo-as-de-blasio-announces-supportive-housing-plan" target="_blank">Pressure Shifts to Cuomo as De Blasio Makes Supportive Housing Announcement </a>- Mayor de Blasio put forth a 15,000-unit supportive housing plan, seeming to temporarily give up on city-state negotiations for a new New York/New York plan</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;">[To read more of the latest from Gotham Gazette, <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government" target="_blank">click here</a>; to subscribe to our newsletters, <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/eye-opener" target="_blank">click here</a>]</p>
<p>Mayor Bill de Blasio had no public schedule Saturday. On Sunday, the mayor,&nbsp;NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson observed "an active shooter drill in Lower Manhattan." After that, the mayor was&nbsp;delivered remarks at Church of God of Prophecy in the Bronx, where he was hosted by City Council Member Vanessa Gibson, among others.</p>
<p>On Monday, de Blasio&nbsp;"will deliver remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for Hunter's Point South Phase II" at noon; "host a press conference to make an announcement related to mental health" with First Lady Chirlane McCray at 2 p.m. at CUNY Hunter College - Silberman School of Social Work; and hold a media availability at about 3 p.m. nearby the school.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>***Do you have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics?</em><br /><em>E-mail Gotham Gazette editor Ben Max:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>***</em></p>
<p><strong>The run of the week in detail:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Monday<br /></strong>At the <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">City Council</a> on Monday, November 23:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Public Safety and the Committee on Transportation will meet to hear the introduction of several bills regarding unmanned aviation vehicles (drones). They will focus on regulation, registration requirements and authorization of use.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Youth Services will meet to discuss several new bills that would require training for certain employees in treating runaway, homeless, and sexually exploited youths, and amend the requirement date for the annual report on sexually exploited children.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Education will meet for oversight on Department of Education’s efforts to help struggling schools. Schools chancellor Carmen Fariña will testify.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Civil Service and Labor will meet to hear a series of new bills that would require successive employers of buildings to retain workers for a transitional time period and extend protections for displaced building service workers to food service workers.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Environmental Protection will meet to hear a new bill that would require the identification of geothermal systems and buildings eligible for them, as well as registration for the people allowed to install such systems.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">On Monday at 8 a.m., The Food Bank for New York will release a new report on the state of hunger and food networks in New York City. The “legislative breakfast” and report will examine the effects of federal cuts to SNAP cuts. Margarette Purvis, President and CEO, Food Bank For New York City; Steven Banks, Commissioner, New York City Human Resources Administration; Triada Stampas, Vice President For Research &amp; Public Affairs, Food Bank For New York City, and “elected officials from throughout New York City” are expected.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 8:30 a.m. The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and Business Forward will host a business leader <a href="http://www.nysra.org/events/event_details.asp?id=712370" target="_blank">forum</a> to discuss the effects of severe climate change on the restaurant industry.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 9 a.m. Monday in Long Island City,&nbsp;City Council "Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer will be joined by several New Yorkers who have applied and have not been selected for a variety of the City's affordable housing development lotteries throughout the five boroughs. Together, Council Member Van Bramer and these New Yorkers in need will express why they believe Airbnb needs to be held accountable for allowing tax-subsidized affordable housing units to be posted as illegal hotels on their website."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Later, Van Bramer will join the mayor for the aforementioned Hunter's Point groundbreaking.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 11 a.m. in Foley Square, Public Advocate Letitia James "will hold a tenant rally and release the 2015 Worst Landlord Watchlist. Following the rally, Public Advocate James will visit Brooklyn Housing Court to ensure tenants are aware of their rights and then tour one of the buildings on the Worst Landlord Watchlist.".</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 11:15 a.m. Monday, State Senator Liz Krueger, together with community leaders and elected officials, will gather at the City Hall for a press conference which will urge Governor Andrew Cuomo to transition New York off of coal power by 2020. Senator Liz Krueger will be joined by State Senator Brad Hoylman; Assembly Members Brian Kavanagh, Rebecca Seawright and Jo Anne Simon; and City Council Members Donovan Richards and Dan Garodnick.<br />[Read Sen. Krueger's new op-ed on the subject: <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/opinion/6004-time-for-new-york-to-cut-the-coal" target="_blank">Time for New York to Cut the Coal</a>]</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 12:45 p.m. Monday, City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, joined with Unite Here 100, will <a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=9ef7d130-3458-4b47-9baa-8cf556422dec&amp;c=c8d09780-6b74-11e5-b7e9-d4ae5292c38a&amp;ch=c8d5a090-6b74-11e5-b7e9-d4ae5292c38a" target="_blank">rally</a> for food service worker retention, supporting a bill that expands upon the 2002 Displaced Building Service Worker Protection Act to include food service workers from being fired from work after a new owner takes over a business. A Council hearing will take place at 1 p.m.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Monday at 2 p.m., Gov. Cuomo&nbsp;will be at the Jacob Javits Center to participate "in New York State's Annual Thanksgiving Food Donation Drive with volunteers and members of the New York National Guard."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 5 p.m. the city’s Quadrennial Advisory Committee <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5915-do-new-york-elected-officials-deserve-a-raise" target="_blank">on elected officials’ compensation</a> will hold its first of two <a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/site/quadrennial/hearings-and-meetings/hearings-and-meetings.page" target="_blank">community hearings</a> to gather public feedback about its work. There is a state pay commission set to convene soon as well, we'll have details on that upcoming. [Read <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5915-do-new-york-elected-officials-deserve-a-raise" target="_blank">our recent look at the work ahead for the commission and the question of whether New York elected officials deserve a raise</a>]</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6 p.m. Monday, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer’s <a href="https://twitter.com/heynowjo/status/661935067044913152" target="_blank">Red Tape Commission</a> will hold a Staten Island hearing for business owners and entrepreneurs, part of the ongoing initiative to remake the government into a partner to businesses instead of being an “obstacle to growth”.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also at 6 p.m. the Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will hold a <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/east_new_york/index.shtml" target="_blank">public hearing</a> on East New York community planning.</p>
<p><strong>Tuesday<br /></strong>At the <a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?sh=hear" target="_blank">State Legislature</a> on Tuesday: at noon, the Assembly Standing Committee on Agriculture will convene for “Oversight of the SFY 2015-2016 State Budget for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">City Council</a> on Tuesday, November 24th:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Finance will meet on a variety of topics.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the City Council Stated Meeting will be held - and as usual, it will be prefaced by the Speaker’s pre-stated press conference, at 12:30 p.m.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">On&nbsp;Tuesday, "Mayor de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray will appear live on CNN's New Day to discuss ThriveNYC: The Mental Health Roadmap for All," at about 6:50 a.m. Later in the morning, "the Mayor will create and deliver food packages with Joel Berg of NYC Coalition Against Hunger." At about 11:45 a.m., "the Mayor will deliver remarks on hunger and food insecurity in New York City." At about 4 p.m., "the Mayor will join bi-partisan local elected officials – including Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Congressman Dan Donovan and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez – to host a press conference to highlight the need for increased federal transportation funding as New Yorkers prepare for holiday weekend travel."</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Tuesday, November 24th, Council Member Andy King will offer Free Healthcare Enrollment and Legal Services to Bronx Residents. In cooperation with MetroPlus and New York Legal Assistance Group the event will help residents sign up for health care and legal services.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Comptroller Scott Stringer will deliver&nbsp;remarks at "NYC Coalition Against Hunger Annual Flagship Event."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 5 p.m. Tuesday the NYC Quadrennial Advisory Board will hold another <a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/site/quadrennial/hearings-and-meetings/hearings-and-meetings.page" target="_blank">community hearing</a> on compensation for elected officials.&nbsp;[Read&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5915-do-new-york-elected-officials-deserve-a-raise" target="_blank">our recent look at the work ahead for the commission and the question of whether New York elected officials deserve a raise</a>]</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Tuesday&nbsp;at 7 p.m. Public Advocate Tish James will host an African Immigrant "Talk to Tish" Town Hall in the Bronx; and at 8:30 p.m. James will attend the Bayside Hills Civic Association General Meeting in Oakland Gardens.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Tuesday evening in Brooklyn,&nbsp;school district 15, which includes parts of Sunset Park, Kensington, Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, and Red Hook, schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña will hold a town hall "from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at P.S. 516...Local elected officials including City Councilman Carlos Menchaca, Assemblyman Felix Ortiz and State Sen. Jesse Hamilton are expected to attend and answer questions from the public from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.," <a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20151123/sunset-park/parents-expected-grill-schools-chancellor-on-overcrowding-at-town-hall" target="_blank">according to DNAinfo</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>Happy Thanksgiving if you’re celebrating. Watch for our latest articles this week and we'll publish a 'Week Ahead' on Sunday, Nov. 29.</strong></em>&nbsp;</p>
<p>***<br />Have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics? E-mail Gotham Gazette executive editor Ben Max any time:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>&nbsp;(please use "For Week Ahead" as email subject).</p>
<p>***<br />by Colin O'Connor, Konstantine Beridze, and Ben Max<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/GothamGazette" target="_blank">@GothamGazette</a></p>The Week Ahead in New York Politics, October 192015-10-18T05:00:00+00:002015-10-18T05:00:00+00:00http://www.gothamgazette.com/government/5938-the-week-ahead-in-new-york-politics-october19Super User<p><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2014/03/640px-New_York_City_Hall.jpg" alt="New York City Hall" width="600" height="450" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">New York City Hall</span></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>What to watch for this week in New York politics:</strong></p>
<p>Mayor Bill de Blasio was in Israel over the weekend, where he spoke at the Annual Conference of Mayors, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visited recent terror attack victims, and made several other stops, including at the Western Wall and at a school educating a diverse student population. De Blasio spoke against a new wave of anti-Semitism and <a href="http://m.nydailynews.com/new-york/jerusalem-speech-mayor-de-blasio-decries-anti-semitism-article-1.2401818?cid=bitly" target="_blank">called for a "broken-windows" approach</a> to combatting hate.</p>
<p>De Blasio is flying back to New York Sunday evening, he has no public events scheduled Monday.</p>
<p>Coming up this week, <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5935-the-mayors-media-blitz-de-blasio" target="_blank">the 'new' Bill de Blasio</a> will continue to show, with the mayor <a href="http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=DwMmJjEm" target="_blank">set to hold</a> a joint press event with his predecessor, Michael Bloomberg, on Wednesday. De Blasio and Bloomberg have appeared together several times since de Blasio came into office, but have not held a joint event, as they will for the planting of the millionth tree in the "Million Trees NYC" program launched by Bloomberg in 2007.</p>
<p>As always, there's a great deal happening&nbsp;all over the city, with many events to be aware of - read our day-by-day rundown below.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>***Do you have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics?</em><br /><em>E-mail Gotham Gazette editor Ben Max:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>***</em></p>
<p><strong>The run of the week in detail:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Monday<br /></strong>On Monday, starting at 8:30 a.m., the City Council Progressive Caucus and allies are holding a conference to discuss progressive public policies and legislative priorities aimed at inequality and improving communities. Keynote will be given by City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, with panel discussions on defending workers' rights, expanding and modernizing democracy, moving toward a greener city, and community safety and empowerment.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Afterward, at noon outside of SEIU 32BJ headquarters, Progressive Caucus Members and allies will “rally on their legislative priorities aimed at offering genuine opportunity to all New Yorkers, especially those who have been left out of our society’s prosperity.” Caucus Co-Chairs Donovan Richards and Antonio Reynoso, Vice-Chairs Helen Rosenthal and Ben Kallos, and other caucus members will be joined by “event sponsors Local Progress and Working Families Organization and advocates from SEIU 32BJ, VOCAL NY, Communities united for Police Reform, Bag It NYC, Streetwise and Safe and BRT for NYC.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 8:30 a.m. Monday, <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/#sthash.fxiimyMW.dpbs" target="_blank">Black Live Matter / Fight for $15: A New Social Movement</a>, a discussion on the convergence of the two movements and the chances of them sowing the seeds “for a broader social and economic justice movement” - featuring Alicia Garza of Black Lives Matter and Domestic Workers Alliance; Jelani Cobb, Journalist &amp; Professor at UConn; Hillman Judge; and Kendall Fells, SEIU / Fight For $15. &nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Monday morning’s The Brian Lehrer Show on WNYC, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito will appear in one segment, discussing several topics, and Queens state Senator Michael Gianaris will appear in another to discuss his bail elimination proposal.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the&nbsp;<a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">City Council</a>&nbsp;on Monday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Immigration will hold a joint oversight meeting with the Committee on Courts and Legal Services to evaluate Attorney Compliances with Padilla vs. Kentucky and court obstacles for immigrants in Criminal and Summons Courts.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Civil Rights will meet to hear several new bills related to protecting against discrimination; clarifying that any “person providing goods, services or accommodations” as stated in the Human Rights Law also includes government bodies; forbid any accommodation provider from discriminating based on income source; and make it unlawful for anyone who provides housing to refuse it to a person based the perception that the person is a victim of domestic abuse or violence.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">On Monday at 1:30 p.m. in Niagra Falls,&nbsp;Attorney General Eric Schneiderman "will discuss steps his office is taking with local officials to combat the use of designer drugs."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 5:30 p.m., New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, together with the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus of the Council will host a <a href="https://twitter.com/IDaneekMiller/status/653948332172161024" target="_blank">Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz will hold a Borough Board <a href="http://queensbp.org/event/queens-borough-board-meeting-2-4-3-2-3-2/?instance_id=1283" target="_blank">meeting </a>to hear details from the Department of City Planning (DCP) on the “Zoning for Quality and Affordability” and “Mandatory Inclusionary Housing” proposed zoning text amendments.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6:30 p.m., &nbsp;Sanctuary for Families’ <a href="https://www.sanctuaryforfamilies.org/event/above-and-beyond/" target="_blank">13th Annual Above &amp; Beyond Pro Bono Achievement Awards &amp; Benefit</a>&nbsp;will be honoring Rosemonde Pierre-Louis, Senior Advisor on Gender Equity and&nbsp;former Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, and others.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Monday evening, Speaker Mark-Viverito will attend&nbsp;"the Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Services Gala."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Monday’s City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Mark Treyger (District 47, Brooklyn) 6 p.m.</li>
<li dir="ltr">Steve Levin (District 33, Brooklyn) 6:30 p.m.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tuesday<br /></strong>On Tuesday at 9 a.m., on the third anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, the Center for New York City Affairs at Milano School of International Affairs will hold a panel titled <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hurricane-sandy-3-building-resilient-neighborhoods-tickets-18611697087" target="_blank">Hurricane Sandy +3: Building Resilient Neighborhoods</a>. Conversation will focus on the state of the post-storm infrastructure in the areas where the storm hit hardest. The panel will include Daniel A. Zarrilli, director of the Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency; Joel Towers, executive dean, Parsons School of Design at the New School; Klaus Jacob, special research scientist at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory; Onleilove Alston, executive director of Faith in New York; Hugh Hogan, executive director of the North Star Fund;Shermane Margaret Stewart-Lester, lay leader at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Far Rockaway.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Queens Borough President Melinda Katz will hold a <a href="http://queensbp.org/event/queens-borough-cabinet-meeting-2-2-3-2-2-2/?instance_id=1281" target="_blank">Borough Cabinet Meeting</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the&nbsp;<a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">City Council</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 9:30 a.m. the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises will meet to discuss land use applications.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Subcommittee on Planning, Dispositions and Concessions will meet to discuss land use applications.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">At the&nbsp;<a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?sh=hear" target="_blank">New York State Assembly</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday: at 10 a.m. the Assembly Standing Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities will convene for a public hearing on “The Adequacy of Supports and Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Tuesday, Public Advocate Letitia James&nbsp;chairs COPIC Commission meeting at Borough of Manhattan Community College (stream: http://livestream.com/BMCCMedia/events/4439178) at 10 a.m. Then, at 11:15, she is a panelist at "NASP's "The State of WMBE's Doing Business in NYS: From the Legislative Perspective" and at 6 p.m. she hosts "Staten Island Clergy Council Education Forum."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 11:15 a.m. Monday near Stuyvesant Town,&nbsp;Mayor de Blasio and "local elected officials and tenant leaders from Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village will hold a media availability" about the imminent sale of the property.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. from the 25th Police Precinct at 120 East 119th Street,&nbsp;"Mayor de Blasio – alongside Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton – will sign Intro. 917-A, criminalizing the manufacture, possession with intent to sell, and sale of synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic phenethylamines; Intro. 897, allowing the City to apply public nuisance regulations to violations of the new criminal provision barring the sale of K2; and Intro. 885-A, allowing the city to revoke, suspend or refuse to renew a cigarette dealer license due to the sale of synthetic drugs or imitation synthetic drugs...After, the Mayor will appear live on Power 105.1 with Angie Martinez to discuss the K-2 legislation."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 4 p.m. Mark-Viverito will host a press conference "to celebrate $1.2 Million in funding for STARS Afterschool Initiative with Finance Committee Chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland at P.S. 50 on 100th Street in Manhattan. Then, at 8 p.m., Mark-Viverito will host "#SheWillBe Twitter Party to Discuss the City Council's First In The Nation Young Women's Initiative...Join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #SheWillBe."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 5:30 p.m. Tuesday Community Voices Heard will hold a rally titled “<a href="http://www.cvhaction.org/events/march-on-the-mayor-stop-privatization-start-funding-nycha" target="_blank">March on the Mayor: Stop Privatization, Start Funding NYCHA</a>.” The demonstration will demand a stop to increasing privatization and an increase in funding for the New York City Housing Authority by $2 billion starting this year.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6 p.m. the Brooklyn Historical Society will host <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-after-surveillance-in-bay-ridges-muslim-community-tickets-17898679432?utm_campaign=a1f9c65cf9-October+Programs+Week+2+(10132015)&amp;utm_term=0_556fa60cc0-a1f9c65cf9-[LIST_EMAIL_ID]&amp;utm_source=Brooklyn+Historical+Society+E-Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;mc_eid=[UNIQID]&amp;mc_cid=a1f9c65cf9&amp;ct=t(October+Programs+Week+2+(10132015))" target="_blank">Life After Surveillance in Bay Ridge’s Muslim Community</a>, a discussion about the post-9/11 surveillance in Bay Ridge and how this surveillance sowed seeds of distrust in the neighbourhood. Panelists include moderator Jarrett Murphy, Executive Editor of City Limits; Linda Sarsour, Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York; Moustafa Bayoumi; award-winning writer, and Professor of English at Brooklyn College, City University of New York; and Dr. Ahmad Jaber, an OB/GYN at the Lutheran Medical Center in Bay Ridge and a Muslim religious educator.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Tuesday "evening, the Mayor and First Lady Chirlane McCray will host the Gracie Gala Dinner," according to de Blasio's public schedule.&nbsp;The Gracie Mansion Conservancy will hold an <a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/717-15/gracie-mansion-conservancy-public-re-opening-gracie-mansion-art-additions-and" target="_blank">invitation only fundraiser</a> to celebrate the grand re-opening of Gracie Mansion after recent repairs. The fundraiser will feature the mansion’s new art installation, Windows on the City: Looking Out at Gracie’s New York, curated with help of the Museum of the City of New York, the New York Historical Society, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Governor Cuomo will&nbsp;attend "the Nassau County Democratic Committee Annual Fall Dinner."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Tuesday’s City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Jimmy Van Bramer (District 26, Queens) 6 p.m.</li>
<li dir="ltr">Eric Ulrich (District 32, Queens) 7 p.m.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Wednesday<br /></strong>On Wednesday in the Bronx: Mayor de Blasio and his predecessor, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, will <a href="http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=DwMmJjEm" target="_blank">meet</a> to plant the millionth tree in the Million Trees NYC program, a Bloomberg initiative begun in 2007.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Comptroller Scott Stringer will hold a “<a href="https://twitter.com/scottmstringer/status/652511684121202688" target="_blank">Queens Hearing for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs</a>.” The event is the next installment of the Comptroller’s “Red Tape Commision Hearings” dedicated to listening to ideas and suggestion that would make it easier for entrepreneurs and business owners to grow their businesses, while partnering with the government. The event will bring together Borough President Melinda Katz; Queens Chamber of Commerce; Queens Economic Development Corporation; the Queens Tribune; and co-chairs of the Red Tape Commission Jessica Lappin and Michael Lambert.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly will headline a Fordham University event “<a href="http://www.alumni.fordham.edu/calendar/detail.aspx?ID=4266" target="_blank">Governance in New York City: The Bloomberg Years</a>.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the&nbsp;<a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?sh=hear" target="_blank">New York State Legislature</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection and the Committee on Aging and the Subcommittee on Consumer Fraud Protection will hold a joint public hearing on “State resource funding to protect consumers, including seniors, from frauds and scams.”</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 11 a.m. the Senate Task Force on Workforce Development will convene for a public meeting “To&nbsp;examine initiatives and determine best practices for job skill training and re-training programs, and provide recommendations to foster workforce development in New York State.”</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 12:30 p.m. the Assembly Standing Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities will hold a public hearing regarding the “Transition of Behavioral Health Supports and Services into Managed Care.”</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Harry Siegel of The New York Daily News and Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute will try to answer the question, “<a href="http://www.sfc.edu/pagecalpop.cfm?p=357&amp;verbose=284093" target="_blank">Is The NYPD Doing Its Job?</a>” The discussion will be moderated by social critic Kay S. Hymowitz, author of Manning Up: How the Rise of Women Has Turned Men into Boys, and will explore the new tracking system aimed at reducing police brutality and assess Commissioner Bratton’s effort to implement the program.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, City Council Members Ydanis Rodriguez and Mark Levine will host the event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1673652976254484" target="_blank">"Jewish Poverty in New York City"</a> along with a group of civic organizations including YM &amp; YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, the Russian-speaking Community Council of Manhattan and the Bronx, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, the Fort Tyron Jewish Center, the Jewish Community Council of Washington Heights-Inwood, the Hebrew Tabernacle, and The Workmen’s Circle.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also at 6:30 p.m., City &amp; State NY will be host its 2015 <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-state-new-york-city-rising-stars-40-under-40-tickets-18745852349?aff=erelexpsim" target="_blank">New York City Rising Stars: 40 Under 40</a> celebration. The list features stars in government, advocacy, labor, and consulting.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 7 p.m. the Department of Education, the School Construction Authority, elected officials, and parents will meet for “<a href="http://ps10.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Over-Crowding.pdf" target="_blank">Let’s Talk About Overcrowding</a>.” The event will focus on the issue of overcrowding in public schools in Cobble Hill and Caroll Gardens, in addition to addressing several other school-related issues. State Senator Daniel Squadron, State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, City Councilmember Brad Lander, City Councilmember Steve Levin, and others will participate.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 3:30 Wednesday in Manhattan, Families for Excellent Schools is planning to hold another <a href="http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2015/10/8579681/shifting-focus-unions-charter-group-plans-teacher-rally" target="_blank">rally</a> to support charter schools, this time featuring charter school teachers, about 1,000 of whom are expected to rally.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Wednesday’s City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">event</a> is via CM Mark Levine (District 7, Manhattan) 6 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Thursday<br /></strong>At 8 a.m. Thursday, <a href="http://www.summit.mas.org/why-attend/" target="_blank">The Sixth Annual MAS Summit for New York City</a> will commence. The Municipal Art Society summit will run through Friday evening and include two days of networking opportunities and one hundred speakers. Notable presenters include: Commissioner Vicki Been, of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development; Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl, of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs; Alicia Glen, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development; New York State Senator Chuck Schumer; Purnima Kapur, Executive Director for the Department of City Planning; and many more to speak about “The City We Want.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Borough President Melinda Katz will hold a <a href="http://queensbp.org/event/queens-borough-presidents-land-use-hearing-2-2-2-2-3-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/?instance_id=1328" target="_blank">Land Use Hearing</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the&nbsp;<a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">City Council</a>&nbsp;Thursday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Finance will meet to discuss the extension of credit against the unincorporated business tax and the general corporation tax.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Transportation will meet to hear several bills related to the TLC and commuter vans..</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 11 a.m. the Committee on Land Use will meet, with agenda TBA.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disability, Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Disability Services will hold a hearing on new accessibility-related bills.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Recovery and Resiliency will meet for oversight on coastal storm resiliency in the city two year after the SIRR report.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Economic Development will meet on bills that would require the NYCEDC to submit annual job creation reports to community planning boards; require SBS to collect data on gender and racial diversity among “executive level employees” in city contractor companies.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">At the&nbsp;<a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?sh=hear" target="_blank">New York State Assembly</a>&nbsp;Thursday, a “Budget oversight hearing for the Assembly Standing Committees on Local Governments and Cities.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Public Agenda will hold “<a href="http://www.publicagenda.org/blogs/nyc-event-restoring-opportunity-the-role-of-education" target="_blank">Restoring Opportunity: The Role of Education</a>,” an event to discuss how the education policies of both New York State and the entire nation need to change in order for the country to truly offer the opportunities promised by the American Dream. Brian Lehrer, from WNYC, will moderate the discussion, interviewing Andie Puriefoy, the former president of the Public Education Network and Alison Kadlec, an expert of higher education reform.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 7 p.m. BRIC will host the panel discussion “<a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/breaking-down-the-walls-brooklyn-bheard-on-immigration-a-community-town-hall-tickets-18780118841?aff=estw&amp;utm_source=tw&amp;utm_medium=discovery&amp;utm_content=attendeeshare&amp;utm_campaign=social&amp;utm_term=listing" target="_blank">Breaking Down the Walls: #BHeard on Immigration, a Community Town Hall</a>.” The talk will be moderated by Brian Vines and feature City Council Member Carlos Menchaca; Linda Sarsour, Arab American Association; Adrian Carasquillo, immigration reporter for Buzzfeed news; Alina Das, NYU professor; and Shena Elrington, director of immigrant rights and racial justice at the Center for Popular Democracy.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At their <a href="http://www.prideagenda.org/news/2015-09-28-empire-state-pride-agenda-present-25th-anniversary-silver-torch-award-governor" target="_blank">annual fall dinner</a> Thursday, Empire State Pride Agenda will award Governor Cuomo with the 25th anniversary Silver Torch Award for “his extraordinary efforts to make marriage equality a reality in New York — paving the way for the freedom to marry nationwide” and “his more recent commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic in New York.” Along with Cuomo, other speakers will be Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand,&nbsp;City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito; City Public Advocate Letitia James; Pride Agenda Board Co-Chairs Norman C. Simon and Melissa Sklarz; and Pride Agenda Executive Director Nathan Schaefer.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Citizens Union, the good government group,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.citizensunion.org/www/ud00/2/264f19babedf446a956b4911d258be18/Personal_Documents/CitizensUnionGala2015_InviteFINAL.pdf" target="_blank">will hold</a> its 2015 Annual Awards Dinner Thursday evening. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will give featured remarks. Citizens Union honorees include Mylan L. Denerstein (Public Service Award), Adam Flatto (Business Leadership Award), Haeda B. Mihaltses (Public Service Award), and Stephen P. Younger (Civic Leadership Award).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Beginning Thursday evening and continuing through Friday, the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute will host “<a href="http://www.roosevelthouse.hunter.cuny.edu/events/youth-jobs-and-the-future-responses-to-youth-unemployment/" target="_blank">Youth, Jobs and Future: Responses to Youth Unemployment</a>.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Thursday’s City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">CM Helen Rosenthal (District 6, Manhattan) 6 p.m.</li>
<li dir="ltr">CM Paul Vallone (District 19, Queens) 7 p.m.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Friday and the weekend<br /></strong>At the <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">City Council</a> on Friday: at 10 a.m. the Committee on Higher Education will convene for oversight on college testing access.</p>
<p>"The next public meeting of the New York City Campaign Finance Board will be held on Friday, October 23 at 10:00 AM."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the<a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?sh=hear" target="_blank"> New York State Assembly</a> on Friday: at 10:30 a.m. the Assembly Standing Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions and the Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry will hold a joint public hearing on “Providing Affordable and High Quality Cable, Broadband, and Telephone Service.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Friday’s City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">event</a> is via CM Carlos Menchaca (District 38, Brooklyn) 6 p.m.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Saturday at 10:30 a.m., New Yorkers Against Gun Violence will hold <a href="http://nyagv.org/walk-over-the-hudson-for-gun-sense-saturday-1024/" target="_blank">Walk Over the Hudson for Gun Sense</a>, a march in response to recent bursts of gun violence across the US. The event invites citizens to show their “commitment to background checks, safe storage, and other common sense gun safety laws.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">At noon Saturday, BetaNYC will hold an <a href="http://www.meetup.com/betanyc/events/226031486/" target="_blank">event</a> to improve CityGram.NYC, a website which allows New York City residents to subscribe to open government data based on their geographic location and areas of interest.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Saturday’s City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">event</a> is via CM Carlos Menchaca (District 38, Brooklyn), 2 p.m.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Sunday, the de Blasio family will open their doors to the public at a Gracie Mansion Open House. A ticket giveaway will take place on the <a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/site/gracie/visit/gracie-mansion-open-house-tickets.page" target="_blank">event</a> website. In celebration of the Mansion’s 35th anniversary, the open house will feature 49 new works as part of the “Windows on the City: Looking Out at Gracie’s New York” show.</p>
<p>***<br />Have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics? E-mail Gotham Gazette executive editor Ben Max any time:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>&nbsp;(please use "For Week Ahead" as email subject).</p>
<p>***<br />by Colin O'Connor, Konstantine Beridze, and Ben Max<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/GothamGazette" target="_blank">@GothamGazette</a></p><p><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2014/03/640px-New_York_City_Hall.jpg" alt="New York City Hall" width="600" height="450" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">New York City Hall</span></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>What to watch for this week in New York politics:</strong></p>
<p>Mayor Bill de Blasio was in Israel over the weekend, where he spoke at the Annual Conference of Mayors, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visited recent terror attack victims, and made several other stops, including at the Western Wall and at a school educating a diverse student population. De Blasio spoke against a new wave of anti-Semitism and <a href="http://m.nydailynews.com/new-york/jerusalem-speech-mayor-de-blasio-decries-anti-semitism-article-1.2401818?cid=bitly" target="_blank">called for a "broken-windows" approach</a> to combatting hate.</p>
<p>De Blasio is flying back to New York Sunday evening, he has no public events scheduled Monday.</p>
<p>Coming up this week, <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5935-the-mayors-media-blitz-de-blasio" target="_blank">the 'new' Bill de Blasio</a> will continue to show, with the mayor <a href="http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=DwMmJjEm" target="_blank">set to hold</a> a joint press event with his predecessor, Michael Bloomberg, on Wednesday. De Blasio and Bloomberg have appeared together several times since de Blasio came into office, but have not held a joint event, as they will for the planting of the millionth tree in the "Million Trees NYC" program launched by Bloomberg in 2007.</p>
<p>As always, there's a great deal happening&nbsp;all over the city, with many events to be aware of - read our day-by-day rundown below.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>***Do you have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics?</em><br /><em>E-mail Gotham Gazette editor Ben Max:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>***</em></p>
<p><strong>The run of the week in detail:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Monday<br /></strong>On Monday, starting at 8:30 a.m., the City Council Progressive Caucus and allies are holding a conference to discuss progressive public policies and legislative priorities aimed at inequality and improving communities. Keynote will be given by City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, with panel discussions on defending workers' rights, expanding and modernizing democracy, moving toward a greener city, and community safety and empowerment.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Afterward, at noon outside of SEIU 32BJ headquarters, Progressive Caucus Members and allies will “rally on their legislative priorities aimed at offering genuine opportunity to all New Yorkers, especially those who have been left out of our society’s prosperity.” Caucus Co-Chairs Donovan Richards and Antonio Reynoso, Vice-Chairs Helen Rosenthal and Ben Kallos, and other caucus members will be joined by “event sponsors Local Progress and Working Families Organization and advocates from SEIU 32BJ, VOCAL NY, Communities united for Police Reform, Bag It NYC, Streetwise and Safe and BRT for NYC.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 8:30 a.m. Monday, <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/#sthash.fxiimyMW.dpbs" target="_blank">Black Live Matter / Fight for $15: A New Social Movement</a>, a discussion on the convergence of the two movements and the chances of them sowing the seeds “for a broader social and economic justice movement” - featuring Alicia Garza of Black Lives Matter and Domestic Workers Alliance; Jelani Cobb, Journalist &amp; Professor at UConn; Hillman Judge; and Kendall Fells, SEIU / Fight For $15. &nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Monday morning’s The Brian Lehrer Show on WNYC, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito will appear in one segment, discussing several topics, and Queens state Senator Michael Gianaris will appear in another to discuss his bail elimination proposal.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the&nbsp;<a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">City Council</a>&nbsp;on Monday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Immigration will hold a joint oversight meeting with the Committee on Courts and Legal Services to evaluate Attorney Compliances with Padilla vs. Kentucky and court obstacles for immigrants in Criminal and Summons Courts.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Civil Rights will meet to hear several new bills related to protecting against discrimination; clarifying that any “person providing goods, services or accommodations” as stated in the Human Rights Law also includes government bodies; forbid any accommodation provider from discriminating based on income source; and make it unlawful for anyone who provides housing to refuse it to a person based the perception that the person is a victim of domestic abuse or violence.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">On Monday at 1:30 p.m. in Niagra Falls,&nbsp;Attorney General Eric Schneiderman "will discuss steps his office is taking with local officials to combat the use of designer drugs."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 5:30 p.m., New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, together with the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus of the Council will host a <a href="https://twitter.com/IDaneekMiller/status/653948332172161024" target="_blank">Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz will hold a Borough Board <a href="http://queensbp.org/event/queens-borough-board-meeting-2-4-3-2-3-2/?instance_id=1283" target="_blank">meeting </a>to hear details from the Department of City Planning (DCP) on the “Zoning for Quality and Affordability” and “Mandatory Inclusionary Housing” proposed zoning text amendments.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6:30 p.m., &nbsp;Sanctuary for Families’ <a href="https://www.sanctuaryforfamilies.org/event/above-and-beyond/" target="_blank">13th Annual Above &amp; Beyond Pro Bono Achievement Awards &amp; Benefit</a>&nbsp;will be honoring Rosemonde Pierre-Louis, Senior Advisor on Gender Equity and&nbsp;former Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, and others.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Monday evening, Speaker Mark-Viverito will attend&nbsp;"the Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Services Gala."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Monday’s City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Mark Treyger (District 47, Brooklyn) 6 p.m.</li>
<li dir="ltr">Steve Levin (District 33, Brooklyn) 6:30 p.m.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tuesday<br /></strong>On Tuesday at 9 a.m., on the third anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, the Center for New York City Affairs at Milano School of International Affairs will hold a panel titled <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hurricane-sandy-3-building-resilient-neighborhoods-tickets-18611697087" target="_blank">Hurricane Sandy +3: Building Resilient Neighborhoods</a>. Conversation will focus on the state of the post-storm infrastructure in the areas where the storm hit hardest. The panel will include Daniel A. Zarrilli, director of the Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency; Joel Towers, executive dean, Parsons School of Design at the New School; Klaus Jacob, special research scientist at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory; Onleilove Alston, executive director of Faith in New York; Hugh Hogan, executive director of the North Star Fund;Shermane Margaret Stewart-Lester, lay leader at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Far Rockaway.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Queens Borough President Melinda Katz will hold a <a href="http://queensbp.org/event/queens-borough-cabinet-meeting-2-2-3-2-2-2/?instance_id=1281" target="_blank">Borough Cabinet Meeting</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the&nbsp;<a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">City Council</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 9:30 a.m. the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises will meet to discuss land use applications.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Subcommittee on Planning, Dispositions and Concessions will meet to discuss land use applications.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">At the&nbsp;<a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?sh=hear" target="_blank">New York State Assembly</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday: at 10 a.m. the Assembly Standing Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities will convene for a public hearing on “The Adequacy of Supports and Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Tuesday, Public Advocate Letitia James&nbsp;chairs COPIC Commission meeting at Borough of Manhattan Community College (stream: http://livestream.com/BMCCMedia/events/4439178) at 10 a.m. Then, at 11:15, she is a panelist at "NASP's "The State of WMBE's Doing Business in NYS: From the Legislative Perspective" and at 6 p.m. she hosts "Staten Island Clergy Council Education Forum."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 11:15 a.m. Monday near Stuyvesant Town,&nbsp;Mayor de Blasio and "local elected officials and tenant leaders from Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village will hold a media availability" about the imminent sale of the property.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. from the 25th Police Precinct at 120 East 119th Street,&nbsp;"Mayor de Blasio – alongside Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton – will sign Intro. 917-A, criminalizing the manufacture, possession with intent to sell, and sale of synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic phenethylamines; Intro. 897, allowing the City to apply public nuisance regulations to violations of the new criminal provision barring the sale of K2; and Intro. 885-A, allowing the city to revoke, suspend or refuse to renew a cigarette dealer license due to the sale of synthetic drugs or imitation synthetic drugs...After, the Mayor will appear live on Power 105.1 with Angie Martinez to discuss the K-2 legislation."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 4 p.m. Mark-Viverito will host a press conference "to celebrate $1.2 Million in funding for STARS Afterschool Initiative with Finance Committee Chair Julissa Ferreras-Copeland at P.S. 50 on 100th Street in Manhattan. Then, at 8 p.m., Mark-Viverito will host "#SheWillBe Twitter Party to Discuss the City Council's First In The Nation Young Women's Initiative...Join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #SheWillBe."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 5:30 p.m. Tuesday Community Voices Heard will hold a rally titled “<a href="http://www.cvhaction.org/events/march-on-the-mayor-stop-privatization-start-funding-nycha" target="_blank">March on the Mayor: Stop Privatization, Start Funding NYCHA</a>.” The demonstration will demand a stop to increasing privatization and an increase in funding for the New York City Housing Authority by $2 billion starting this year.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6 p.m. the Brooklyn Historical Society will host <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-after-surveillance-in-bay-ridges-muslim-community-tickets-17898679432?utm_campaign=a1f9c65cf9-October+Programs+Week+2+(10132015)&amp;utm_term=0_556fa60cc0-a1f9c65cf9-[LIST_EMAIL_ID]&amp;utm_source=Brooklyn+Historical+Society+E-Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;mc_eid=[UNIQID]&amp;mc_cid=a1f9c65cf9&amp;ct=t(October+Programs+Week+2+(10132015))" target="_blank">Life After Surveillance in Bay Ridge’s Muslim Community</a>, a discussion about the post-9/11 surveillance in Bay Ridge and how this surveillance sowed seeds of distrust in the neighbourhood. Panelists include moderator Jarrett Murphy, Executive Editor of City Limits; Linda Sarsour, Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York; Moustafa Bayoumi; award-winning writer, and Professor of English at Brooklyn College, City University of New York; and Dr. Ahmad Jaber, an OB/GYN at the Lutheran Medical Center in Bay Ridge and a Muslim religious educator.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Tuesday "evening, the Mayor and First Lady Chirlane McCray will host the Gracie Gala Dinner," according to de Blasio's public schedule.&nbsp;The Gracie Mansion Conservancy will hold an <a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/717-15/gracie-mansion-conservancy-public-re-opening-gracie-mansion-art-additions-and" target="_blank">invitation only fundraiser</a> to celebrate the grand re-opening of Gracie Mansion after recent repairs. The fundraiser will feature the mansion’s new art installation, Windows on the City: Looking Out at Gracie’s New York, curated with help of the Museum of the City of New York, the New York Historical Society, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Governor Cuomo will&nbsp;attend "the Nassau County Democratic Committee Annual Fall Dinner."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Tuesday’s City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Jimmy Van Bramer (District 26, Queens) 6 p.m.</li>
<li dir="ltr">Eric Ulrich (District 32, Queens) 7 p.m.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Wednesday<br /></strong>On Wednesday in the Bronx: Mayor de Blasio and his predecessor, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, will <a href="http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=DwMmJjEm" target="_blank">meet</a> to plant the millionth tree in the Million Trees NYC program, a Bloomberg initiative begun in 2007.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Comptroller Scott Stringer will hold a “<a href="https://twitter.com/scottmstringer/status/652511684121202688" target="_blank">Queens Hearing for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs</a>.” The event is the next installment of the Comptroller’s “Red Tape Commision Hearings” dedicated to listening to ideas and suggestion that would make it easier for entrepreneurs and business owners to grow their businesses, while partnering with the government. The event will bring together Borough President Melinda Katz; Queens Chamber of Commerce; Queens Economic Development Corporation; the Queens Tribune; and co-chairs of the Red Tape Commission Jessica Lappin and Michael Lambert.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly will headline a Fordham University event “<a href="http://www.alumni.fordham.edu/calendar/detail.aspx?ID=4266" target="_blank">Governance in New York City: The Bloomberg Years</a>.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the&nbsp;<a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?sh=hear" target="_blank">New York State Legislature</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection and the Committee on Aging and the Subcommittee on Consumer Fraud Protection will hold a joint public hearing on “State resource funding to protect consumers, including seniors, from frauds and scams.”</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 11 a.m. the Senate Task Force on Workforce Development will convene for a public meeting “To&nbsp;examine initiatives and determine best practices for job skill training and re-training programs, and provide recommendations to foster workforce development in New York State.”</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 12:30 p.m. the Assembly Standing Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities will hold a public hearing regarding the “Transition of Behavioral Health Supports and Services into Managed Care.”</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Harry Siegel of The New York Daily News and Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute will try to answer the question, “<a href="http://www.sfc.edu/pagecalpop.cfm?p=357&amp;verbose=284093" target="_blank">Is The NYPD Doing Its Job?</a>” The discussion will be moderated by social critic Kay S. Hymowitz, author of Manning Up: How the Rise of Women Has Turned Men into Boys, and will explore the new tracking system aimed at reducing police brutality and assess Commissioner Bratton’s effort to implement the program.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, City Council Members Ydanis Rodriguez and Mark Levine will host the event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1673652976254484" target="_blank">"Jewish Poverty in New York City"</a> along with a group of civic organizations including YM &amp; YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, the Russian-speaking Community Council of Manhattan and the Bronx, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, the Fort Tyron Jewish Center, the Jewish Community Council of Washington Heights-Inwood, the Hebrew Tabernacle, and The Workmen’s Circle.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also at 6:30 p.m., City &amp; State NY will be host its 2015 <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-state-new-york-city-rising-stars-40-under-40-tickets-18745852349?aff=erelexpsim" target="_blank">New York City Rising Stars: 40 Under 40</a> celebration. The list features stars in government, advocacy, labor, and consulting.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 7 p.m. the Department of Education, the School Construction Authority, elected officials, and parents will meet for “<a href="http://ps10.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Over-Crowding.pdf" target="_blank">Let’s Talk About Overcrowding</a>.” The event will focus on the issue of overcrowding in public schools in Cobble Hill and Caroll Gardens, in addition to addressing several other school-related issues. State Senator Daniel Squadron, State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, City Councilmember Brad Lander, City Councilmember Steve Levin, and others will participate.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 3:30 Wednesday in Manhattan, Families for Excellent Schools is planning to hold another <a href="http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2015/10/8579681/shifting-focus-unions-charter-group-plans-teacher-rally" target="_blank">rally</a> to support charter schools, this time featuring charter school teachers, about 1,000 of whom are expected to rally.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Wednesday’s City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">event</a> is via CM Mark Levine (District 7, Manhattan) 6 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Thursday<br /></strong>At 8 a.m. Thursday, <a href="http://www.summit.mas.org/why-attend/" target="_blank">The Sixth Annual MAS Summit for New York City</a> will commence. The Municipal Art Society summit will run through Friday evening and include two days of networking opportunities and one hundred speakers. Notable presenters include: Commissioner Vicki Been, of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development; Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl, of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs; Alicia Glen, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development; New York State Senator Chuck Schumer; Purnima Kapur, Executive Director for the Department of City Planning; and many more to speak about “The City We Want.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Borough President Melinda Katz will hold a <a href="http://queensbp.org/event/queens-borough-presidents-land-use-hearing-2-2-2-2-3-2-2-2-2-2-2-2/?instance_id=1328" target="_blank">Land Use Hearing</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the&nbsp;<a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">City Council</a>&nbsp;Thursday:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Finance will meet to discuss the extension of credit against the unincorporated business tax and the general corporation tax.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 10 a.m. the Committee on Transportation will meet to hear several bills related to the TLC and commuter vans..</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 11 a.m. the Committee on Land Use will meet, with agenda TBA.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disability, Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Disability Services will hold a hearing on new accessibility-related bills.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Recovery and Resiliency will meet for oversight on coastal storm resiliency in the city two year after the SIRR report.</li>
<li dir="ltr">At 1 p.m. the Committee on Economic Development will meet on bills that would require the NYCEDC to submit annual job creation reports to community planning boards; require SBS to collect data on gender and racial diversity among “executive level employees” in city contractor companies.</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">At the&nbsp;<a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?sh=hear" target="_blank">New York State Assembly</a>&nbsp;Thursday, a “Budget oversight hearing for the Assembly Standing Committees on Local Governments and Cities.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Public Agenda will hold “<a href="http://www.publicagenda.org/blogs/nyc-event-restoring-opportunity-the-role-of-education" target="_blank">Restoring Opportunity: The Role of Education</a>,” an event to discuss how the education policies of both New York State and the entire nation need to change in order for the country to truly offer the opportunities promised by the American Dream. Brian Lehrer, from WNYC, will moderate the discussion, interviewing Andie Puriefoy, the former president of the Public Education Network and Alison Kadlec, an expert of higher education reform.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At 7 p.m. BRIC will host the panel discussion “<a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/breaking-down-the-walls-brooklyn-bheard-on-immigration-a-community-town-hall-tickets-18780118841?aff=estw&amp;utm_source=tw&amp;utm_medium=discovery&amp;utm_content=attendeeshare&amp;utm_campaign=social&amp;utm_term=listing" target="_blank">Breaking Down the Walls: #BHeard on Immigration, a Community Town Hall</a>.” The talk will be moderated by Brian Vines and feature City Council Member Carlos Menchaca; Linda Sarsour, Arab American Association; Adrian Carasquillo, immigration reporter for Buzzfeed news; Alina Das, NYU professor; and Shena Elrington, director of immigrant rights and racial justice at the Center for Popular Democracy.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At their <a href="http://www.prideagenda.org/news/2015-09-28-empire-state-pride-agenda-present-25th-anniversary-silver-torch-award-governor" target="_blank">annual fall dinner</a> Thursday, Empire State Pride Agenda will award Governor Cuomo with the 25th anniversary Silver Torch Award for “his extraordinary efforts to make marriage equality a reality in New York — paving the way for the freedom to marry nationwide” and “his more recent commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic in New York.” Along with Cuomo, other speakers will be Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand,&nbsp;City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito; City Public Advocate Letitia James; Pride Agenda Board Co-Chairs Norman C. Simon and Melissa Sklarz; and Pride Agenda Executive Director Nathan Schaefer.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Citizens Union, the good government group,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.citizensunion.org/www/ud00/2/264f19babedf446a956b4911d258be18/Personal_Documents/CitizensUnionGala2015_InviteFINAL.pdf" target="_blank">will hold</a> its 2015 Annual Awards Dinner Thursday evening. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will give featured remarks. Citizens Union honorees include Mylan L. Denerstein (Public Service Award), Adam Flatto (Business Leadership Award), Haeda B. Mihaltses (Public Service Award), and Stephen P. Younger (Civic Leadership Award).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Beginning Thursday evening and continuing through Friday, the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute will host “<a href="http://www.roosevelthouse.hunter.cuny.edu/events/youth-jobs-and-the-future-responses-to-youth-unemployment/" target="_blank">Youth, Jobs and Future: Responses to Youth Unemployment</a>.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Thursday’s City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">CM Helen Rosenthal (District 6, Manhattan) 6 p.m.</li>
<li dir="ltr">CM Paul Vallone (District 19, Queens) 7 p.m.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Friday and the weekend<br /></strong>At the <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">City Council</a> on Friday: at 10 a.m. the Committee on Higher Education will convene for oversight on college testing access.</p>
<p>"The next public meeting of the New York City Campaign Finance Board will be held on Friday, October 23 at 10:00 AM."</p>
<p dir="ltr">At the<a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?sh=hear" target="_blank"> New York State Assembly</a> on Friday: at 10:30 a.m. the Assembly Standing Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions and the Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry will hold a joint public hearing on “Providing Affordable and High Quality Cable, Broadband, and Telephone Service.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Friday’s City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">event</a> is via CM Carlos Menchaca (District 38, Brooklyn) 6 p.m.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Saturday at 10:30 a.m., New Yorkers Against Gun Violence will hold <a href="http://nyagv.org/walk-over-the-hudson-for-gun-sense-saturday-1024/" target="_blank">Walk Over the Hudson for Gun Sense</a>, a march in response to recent bursts of gun violence across the US. The event invites citizens to show their “commitment to background checks, safe storage, and other common sense gun safety laws.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">At noon Saturday, BetaNYC will hold an <a href="http://www.meetup.com/betanyc/events/226031486/" target="_blank">event</a> to improve CityGram.NYC, a website which allows New York City residents to subscribe to open government data based on their geographic location and areas of interest.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Saturday’s City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">event</a> is via CM Carlos Menchaca (District 38, Brooklyn), 2 p.m.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On Sunday, the de Blasio family will open their doors to the public at a Gracie Mansion Open House. A ticket giveaway will take place on the <a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/site/gracie/visit/gracie-mansion-open-house-tickets.page" target="_blank">event</a> website. In celebration of the Mansion’s 35th anniversary, the open house will feature 49 new works as part of the “Windows on the City: Looking Out at Gracie’s New York” show.</p>
<p>***<br />Have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics? E-mail Gotham Gazette executive editor Ben Max any time:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>&nbsp;(please use "For Week Ahead" as email subject).</p>
<p>***<br />by Colin O'Connor, Konstantine Beridze, and Ben Max<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/GothamGazette" target="_blank">@GothamGazette</a></p>The Week Ahead in New York Politics, October 52015-10-04T05:00:00+00:002015-10-04T05:00:00+00:00http://www.gothamgazette.com/government/5920-the-week-ahead-in-new-york-politics-october-5Super User<p><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2014/03/640px-New_York_City_Hall.jpg" alt="New York City Hall" height="450" width="600" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">New York City Hall</span></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>What to watch for this week in New York politics:</strong></p>
<p>This week will include a focus on what the city can do to stop gas-related explosions after another such explosion occurred this weekend, this time in Borough Park; education politics and policy, as the pro-charter, anti-de Blasio group Families for Excellent Schools will hold a large rally; a continuation of negotiation and criticism between city and state entities over MTA funding; and more.</p>
<p>Oh, and it's the Major League Baseball playoffs, with both the Mets and Yankees in the post-season for the first time in a long time, with many hoping for a "subway series" World Series between the two, a la 2000, when the Yankees defeated the Mets.</p>
<p><strong>TRACKING DE BLASIO:</strong> With the threat from Hurricane Joaquin abated, Mayor de Blasio decided to go through with his trip to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore on Friday and Saturday. The mayor delivered remarks at a reception for the State Innovation Exchange Conference on Friday, then attended the United States Conference of Mayors Fall Leadership Meeting on Saturday. The mayor then headed back to Borough Park, Brooklyn, where he attended to the emergency gas explosion that tore apart a building, killing at least one and injuring several.</p>
<p>The incident is another in a string of gas explosions, including East Harlem and the East Village, that has many worried and talking about a need for new measures to combat the deadly incidents. Gov. Cuomo announced he was deploying representatives to investigate and city officials are calling for action. This explosion appears to have been caused by mistakes made during the removal of an oven.</p>
<p>On Monday, Mayor de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray will be on Staten Island for the groundbreaking of The Staten Island Family Justice Center, at which the mayor will speak around 10 a.m.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/10/staten_island_family_justice_center.html" target="_blank">Read more from</a>&nbsp;the Staten Island Advance, including that Staten Island will join the other boroughs, each of which already has such a center, which "provide comprehensive criminal justice, civil legal and social services free of charge to victims of domestic violence, elderly abuse and sex trafficking in the other boroughs."</p>
<p>As always, there's a great deal happening&nbsp;all over the city, with many events to be aware of - read our day-by-day rundown below.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>***Do you have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics?</em><br /><em>E-mail Gotham Gazette editor Ben Max:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>***</em></p>
<p><strong>The run of the week in detail:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Monday<br /></strong>At 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Bronx County Courthouse, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman "will announce a major crackdown on distributors of synthetic marijuana and other designer drugs."</p>
<p>On Monday morning, "State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan joins state Sen. Martin Golden on a walking tour and media availability in Gerritsen Beach, starting in front of 3078 Gerritsen Ave., Brooklyn," according to City &amp; State NY.</p>
<p>At 12:30 p.m. Monday, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito will announce&nbsp;the "launch of MonumentArt, an International Mural Festival hosted in East Harlem and the South Bronx," from La Marqueta.</p>
<p>On Monday,&nbsp;Public Advocate Letitia James "will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Funders' Committee for Civic Participation conference."</p>
<p>Monday evening, First Lady McCray will be among the honorees of a&nbsp;Feminist Power Award from the Feminist Press.</p>
<p>At 8 p.m. Monday, Comptroller Scott Stringer "Receives the Pacesetter Award at The National Association of Investment Companies 45th Annual Meeting &amp; Convention Welcome Reception."</p>
<p>Monday's City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (District 8, Manhattan/Bronx) 6 pm</li>
<li>CM Elizabeth Crowley (District 30, Queens) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Corey Johnson (District 3, Manhattan) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Julissa Ferreras (District 21, Queens) 7 pm</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tuesday<br /></strong>Tuesday, at 10 a.m., a press conference in PACE University's downtown campus will mark the beginning of Poverty Awareness Week, which is co-sponsored by Pace University and The Mayor's Office. The week will include a series of events. Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. will be one keynote speaker; Shola Olatoye, Chair and CEO of NYCHA will participate in a discussion on "Local Initiatives to Eradicate Poverty."</p>
<p>On Tuesday, Mayor de Blasio "will deliver remarks at the ribbon-cutting for the Brooklyn College Barry R. Feirstein Graduate School for Cinema at Steiner Studios."</p>
<p>At 5 p.m., the Mayor will appear on WCBS Newsradio 880.</p>
<p>In the evening, Mayor de Blasio, Governor Cuomo, and many others will attend a birthday celebration for Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.</p>
<p>At 6 p.m. Tuesday, the Brooklyn Historical Society <a href="http://www.brooklynhistory.org/visitor/calendar.html" target="_blank">will host</a> "Why New York? Our Broken Bail System." The event will be moderated by New York Times journalist Shaila Dewan, with panelists: Judge George Grasso, public defender Josh Saunders, criminal justice reform advocate Glenn E. Martin, and an individual who couldn't afford bail.</p>
<p>At 7 p.m. Tuesday, NY Tech Meetup will be <a href="http://www.meetup.com/ny-tech/events/220016185/?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRoku6zIe%2B%2FhmjTEU5z16uUuWaW0gJt41El3fuXBP2XqjvpVQcNhNrDNRw8FHZNpywVWM8TIKNARt9B5LwzkAG8%3D" target="_blank">held</a> at NYU, with a number of New York companies presenting demos of technologies that they are developing.</p>
<p>Tuesday's City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (District 8, Manhattan/Bronx) 4 pm</li>
<li>CM Ydanis Rodriguez (District 10, Manhattan) 6 pm</li>
<li>CM Jimmy Van Bramer (District 26, Queens) 6 pm</li>
<li>CM Elizabeth Crowley (District 30, Queens) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Corey Johnson (District 3, Manhattan) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Brad Lander (District 39, Brooklyn) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Eric Ulrich (District 32, Queens) 8 pm</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Wednesday<br /></strong>JCOPE is set to meet Wednesday morning in Albany.</p>
<p>Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., City &amp; State NY <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/on-energy-tickets-18606786399?aff=erelexporg" target="_blank">holds</a> its fifth annual "On Energy" event, inviting leaders in government, advocacy and business to speak on a number of topics related to the future of energy. Among the topics of discussion will be Governor Andrew Cuomo's regulatory overhaul in New York, Mayor de Blasio's 80 by 50 plan, and more. The event includes a panel with Jonathan Bowles, Executive Director of Center for an Urban Future; Nilda Mesa, Director at NYC Mayor's Office of Sustainability; Kathryn Garcia, Commissioner, NYC Department of Sanitation. Other notable speakers to appear include: Richard Kauffman, NYS Chair of Energy &amp; Finance; Arthur "Jerry" Kremer, Chairman of New York AREA; Ambassador Ron Kirk, Chairman of CASEnergy; Kevin Parker, a New York state Senator and ranking member of the Energy &amp; Telecommunications Committee.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, The Families for Excellent Schools rally, postponed from last week because of weather and "to demand equal opportunity in our schools," will take place, starting mid-morning at Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, followed by a march across the Brooklyn Bridge, and a 12:30 p.m. press conference at City Hall. <a href="http://www.familiesforexcellentschools.org/parentsrally" target="_blank">The rally</a> is, in essence, to promote more more charter schools and criticize Mayor de Blasio's education agenda, which does not include more charters. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is expected to headline the rally, along with several high-profile performers, including Jennifer Hudson.</p>
<p>At the City Council <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">on Wednesday</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>10 a.m., The Committee on Transportation will meet to discuss a bill that would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to conduct a study on the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists along bus routes. DOT would then institute new safety measures based on the data. The Committee will also discuss a bill that would require the identification of dangerous intersections based on incidents involving pedestrians, and implement curb extensions in such areas. The Committee will also make a decision on resolutions that would require the MTA to instal rear guards on bus wheels and to study ways to eliminate blind spots for buses.</li>
<li>Also 10 a.m., The Committee on Aging will hold an oversight hearing on older adult employment.</li>
</ul>
<p>At 10 a.m. <a href="http://www.eastriverfiftiesalliance.com/" target="_blank">The East 50s Alliance</a> will hold a community rally to protest the planned construction of a 900-foot tower in the 58th street residential area. The residents are "deeply concerned that the tower will diminish the safety, accessibility and livability of a narrow side street during a lengthy construction process and forever after." City Council Member Ben Kallos will speak.</p>
<p>At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Vivertio, along with Council Members Paul Vallone and Vincent Gentile and others, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1500786460235939/" target="_blank">will hold</a> a Celebration of Italian Heritage at the Council Chambers in City Hall. The event will also celebrate Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday.</p>
<p>From 6 to 8 p.m. at Fordham Law School, The Safety Net Project at the Urban Justice Center and the Women's City Club of New York&nbsp;<a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/this-bridge-called-my-back-women-of-color-and-the-fight-for-economic-security-tickets-17973743952" target="_blank">will host</a> "This Bridge Called My Back: Women of Color and the Fight for Economic Security", on "how gender intersects with economic and racial inequality in New York City." Dr. Christina Greer, professor of political science at Fordham University, will moderate the panel, with Linda Sarsour, Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York; Luna Ranjit, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Adhikaar; Joanne N. Smith Founder and Executive Director of Girls for Gender Equality; and Margarita Rosa, Executive Director of National Center for Law and Economic Justice participating in the discussion.</p>
<p>Wednesday's City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>CM Elizabeth Crowley (District 30, Queens) 6 pm</li>
<li>CM Helen Rosenthal (District 6, Manhattan) 6 pm</li>
<li>Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (District 8, Manhattan/Bronx) 6 pm</li>
<li>CM Mathieu Eugene (District 40, Brooklyn) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Antonio Reynoso (District 34, Brooklyn/Queens) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Karen Koslowitz (District 29, Queens) 7 pm</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thursday<br /></strong>On Thursday <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">at the City Council</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>9:30 a.m., Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises will meet to discuss three land use applications in Manhattan.</li>
<li>10 a.m., Committee on Finance will meet regarding the Department of Finance's Office of the Taxpayer Advocate.</li>
<li>11 a.m., Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses will meet to discuss a land use application in Brooklyn</li>
<li>1 p.m., Subcommittee on Planning, Dispositions and Concessions will meet to discuss another land use application in Brooklyn</li>
</ul>
<p>Thursday at the New York State Legislature: the&nbsp;Assembly Standing Committee on Health, Assembly Standing Committee on Mental Health, and Assembly Task Force on People with Disabilities <a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/Health/20150911/" target="_blank">will hold</a> a joint public hearing regarding Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Services. "The Committees are seeking oral and written testimony from patients and their families, clinicians, service providers, and the Department on topics including the incidence, severity and consequences of TBI; treatment and service appropriateness and availability, including the rights of patients sent out-of-state; and issues relating to the transition of the TBI Waiver program to managed care."</p>
<p>At 9 a.m. Thursday New York State Assembly Members Latoya Joyner and Marcos Crespo <a href="https://events.gybo.com/events/132/detail" target="_blank">will kick off</a> "Let's Put Our Cities on the Map," sponsored and hosted by Google at the Bronx Museum of Arts, which will offer free counseling for small businesses on how to reach local customer bases, specifically by using "SmartLogic" online tools.</p>
<p>"The next public meeting of the New York City Campaign Finance Board will be held on Thursday, October 8 at 10:00 AM."</p>
<p>At 5 p.m. Thursday, EmblemHealth and LaborPress <a href="http://laborpress.org/sectors/municipal-labor/2900-laborpress-honors-heroes-of-labor" target="_blank">will honor</a> 12 labor union members, from eight different labor unions, for their remarkable contributions to the labor communities at the fourth annual "Heroes of Labor Awards". EmblemHealth has invited many city elected officials to speak, several are expected.</p>
<p>At 6 p.m. Thursday in Washington, D.C., the Brennan Center for Justice and Vox <a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/politics-of-participation" target="_blank">will hold</a> "The Politics of Participation: Building an Engaged Citizenry for Millennials and Beyond," including City Council Member Eric Ulrich. It is billed as "a candid conversation about what the shifting demographic landscape means for grassroots movements, political action, and civic engagement; how can we shape our democracy into one that is truly representative of the people being governed?"</p>
<p>At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, the Brooklyn Historical Society <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-changing-face-of-activism-tickets-17896902116" target="_blank">will hold</a> "The Changing Face of Activism," which will explore the historical progression of activism from the 1960s desegregation movement to the present day Black Lives Matter movement. Moderated by Alethia Jones, a leader of 1199 SEIU, the panel will feature activist Barbara Smith; Joo-Hyun Kang of Communities United for Police Reform; and Jose Lopez, Lead Organizer at Make the Road NY and member of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing.</p>
<p>At 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Dan Abrams of ABC News&nbsp;<a href="http://www.92y.org/Event/Ray-Kelly-in-Conversation" target="_blank">will talk</a> with Ray Kelly, the longest-serving NYPD Commissioner, at the 92nd Street Y. Kelly will hold a book signing for his new memoir Vigilance: My Life Serving America and Protecting Its Empire City, after his talk with Mr. Abrams.</p>
<p>Thursday's City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>CM Steve Levin (District 33, Brooklyn) 5 pm</li>
<li>CM Jimmy Van Bramer (District 26, Queens) 6 pm</li>
<li>CM Antonio Reynoso (District 34, Brooklyn/Queens) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Karen Koslowitz (District 29, Queens) 7 pm</li>
<li>CM Ydanis Rodriguez (District 10, Manhattan) 8 pm</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Friday and the weekend<br /></strong>Friday at 8:15 a.m., NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton <a href="https://nyls.wufoo.com/forms/william-bratton-citylaw-breakfast/" target="_blank">will speak</a> at New York Law School, as part of the CityLaw breakfast series.</p>
<p>Weekend <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">participatory budgeting</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Friday, CM Antonio Reynoso (District 34, Brooklyn/Queens) 1 pm.</li>
<li>Saturday, CM Carlos Menchaca (District 38, Brooklyn), time TBA.</li>
<li>Sunday, CM Carlos Menchaca (District 38, Brooklyn), time TBA.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>*Note: we'll publish our next 'Week Ahead' on Monday, October 13 given the Columbus Day holiday</em></p>
<p>***<br />Have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics? E-mail Gotham Gazette executive editor Ben Max any time:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>&nbsp;(please use "For Week Ahead" as email subject).</p>
<p>***<br />by Colin O'Connor, Konstantine Beridze, and Ben Max<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/GothamGazette" target="_blank">@GothamGazette</a></p><p><img src="http://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2014/03/640px-New_York_City_Hall.jpg" alt="New York City Hall" height="450" width="600" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">New York City Hall</span></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>What to watch for this week in New York politics:</strong></p>
<p>This week will include a focus on what the city can do to stop gas-related explosions after another such explosion occurred this weekend, this time in Borough Park; education politics and policy, as the pro-charter, anti-de Blasio group Families for Excellent Schools will hold a large rally; a continuation of negotiation and criticism between city and state entities over MTA funding; and more.</p>
<p>Oh, and it's the Major League Baseball playoffs, with both the Mets and Yankees in the post-season for the first time in a long time, with many hoping for a "subway series" World Series between the two, a la 2000, when the Yankees defeated the Mets.</p>
<p><strong>TRACKING DE BLASIO:</strong> With the threat from Hurricane Joaquin abated, Mayor de Blasio decided to go through with his trip to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore on Friday and Saturday. The mayor delivered remarks at a reception for the State Innovation Exchange Conference on Friday, then attended the United States Conference of Mayors Fall Leadership Meeting on Saturday. The mayor then headed back to Borough Park, Brooklyn, where he attended to the emergency gas explosion that tore apart a building, killing at least one and injuring several.</p>
<p>The incident is another in a string of gas explosions, including East Harlem and the East Village, that has many worried and talking about a need for new measures to combat the deadly incidents. Gov. Cuomo announced he was deploying representatives to investigate and city officials are calling for action. This explosion appears to have been caused by mistakes made during the removal of an oven.</p>
<p>On Monday, Mayor de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray will be on Staten Island for the groundbreaking of The Staten Island Family Justice Center, at which the mayor will speak around 10 a.m.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/10/staten_island_family_justice_center.html" target="_blank">Read more from</a>&nbsp;the Staten Island Advance, including that Staten Island will join the other boroughs, each of which already has such a center, which "provide comprehensive criminal justice, civil legal and social services free of charge to victims of domestic violence, elderly abuse and sex trafficking in the other boroughs."</p>
<p>As always, there's a great deal happening&nbsp;all over the city, with many events to be aware of - read our day-by-day rundown below.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>***Do you have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics?</em><br /><em>E-mail Gotham Gazette editor Ben Max:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>***</em></p>
<p><strong>The run of the week in detail:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Monday<br /></strong>At 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Bronx County Courthouse, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman "will announce a major crackdown on distributors of synthetic marijuana and other designer drugs."</p>
<p>On Monday morning, "State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan joins state Sen. Martin Golden on a walking tour and media availability in Gerritsen Beach, starting in front of 3078 Gerritsen Ave., Brooklyn," according to City &amp; State NY.</p>
<p>At 12:30 p.m. Monday, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito will announce&nbsp;the "launch of MonumentArt, an International Mural Festival hosted in East Harlem and the South Bronx," from La Marqueta.</p>
<p>On Monday,&nbsp;Public Advocate Letitia James "will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Funders' Committee for Civic Participation conference."</p>
<p>Monday evening, First Lady McCray will be among the honorees of a&nbsp;Feminist Power Award from the Feminist Press.</p>
<p>At 8 p.m. Monday, Comptroller Scott Stringer "Receives the Pacesetter Award at The National Association of Investment Companies 45th Annual Meeting &amp; Convention Welcome Reception."</p>
<p>Monday's City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (District 8, Manhattan/Bronx) 6 pm</li>
<li>CM Elizabeth Crowley (District 30, Queens) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Corey Johnson (District 3, Manhattan) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Julissa Ferreras (District 21, Queens) 7 pm</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tuesday<br /></strong>Tuesday, at 10 a.m., a press conference in PACE University's downtown campus will mark the beginning of Poverty Awareness Week, which is co-sponsored by Pace University and The Mayor's Office. The week will include a series of events. Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. will be one keynote speaker; Shola Olatoye, Chair and CEO of NYCHA will participate in a discussion on "Local Initiatives to Eradicate Poverty."</p>
<p>On Tuesday, Mayor de Blasio "will deliver remarks at the ribbon-cutting for the Brooklyn College Barry R. Feirstein Graduate School for Cinema at Steiner Studios."</p>
<p>At 5 p.m., the Mayor will appear on WCBS Newsradio 880.</p>
<p>In the evening, Mayor de Blasio, Governor Cuomo, and many others will attend a birthday celebration for Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.</p>
<p>At 6 p.m. Tuesday, the Brooklyn Historical Society <a href="http://www.brooklynhistory.org/visitor/calendar.html" target="_blank">will host</a> "Why New York? Our Broken Bail System." The event will be moderated by New York Times journalist Shaila Dewan, with panelists: Judge George Grasso, public defender Josh Saunders, criminal justice reform advocate Glenn E. Martin, and an individual who couldn't afford bail.</p>
<p>At 7 p.m. Tuesday, NY Tech Meetup will be <a href="http://www.meetup.com/ny-tech/events/220016185/?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRoku6zIe%2B%2FhmjTEU5z16uUuWaW0gJt41El3fuXBP2XqjvpVQcNhNrDNRw8FHZNpywVWM8TIKNARt9B5LwzkAG8%3D" target="_blank">held</a> at NYU, with a number of New York companies presenting demos of technologies that they are developing.</p>
<p>Tuesday's City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (District 8, Manhattan/Bronx) 4 pm</li>
<li>CM Ydanis Rodriguez (District 10, Manhattan) 6 pm</li>
<li>CM Jimmy Van Bramer (District 26, Queens) 6 pm</li>
<li>CM Elizabeth Crowley (District 30, Queens) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Corey Johnson (District 3, Manhattan) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Brad Lander (District 39, Brooklyn) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Eric Ulrich (District 32, Queens) 8 pm</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Wednesday<br /></strong>JCOPE is set to meet Wednesday morning in Albany.</p>
<p>Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., City &amp; State NY <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/on-energy-tickets-18606786399?aff=erelexporg" target="_blank">holds</a> its fifth annual "On Energy" event, inviting leaders in government, advocacy and business to speak on a number of topics related to the future of energy. Among the topics of discussion will be Governor Andrew Cuomo's regulatory overhaul in New York, Mayor de Blasio's 80 by 50 plan, and more. The event includes a panel with Jonathan Bowles, Executive Director of Center for an Urban Future; Nilda Mesa, Director at NYC Mayor's Office of Sustainability; Kathryn Garcia, Commissioner, NYC Department of Sanitation. Other notable speakers to appear include: Richard Kauffman, NYS Chair of Energy &amp; Finance; Arthur "Jerry" Kremer, Chairman of New York AREA; Ambassador Ron Kirk, Chairman of CASEnergy; Kevin Parker, a New York state Senator and ranking member of the Energy &amp; Telecommunications Committee.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, The Families for Excellent Schools rally, postponed from last week because of weather and "to demand equal opportunity in our schools," will take place, starting mid-morning at Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, followed by a march across the Brooklyn Bridge, and a 12:30 p.m. press conference at City Hall. <a href="http://www.familiesforexcellentschools.org/parentsrally" target="_blank">The rally</a> is, in essence, to promote more more charter schools and criticize Mayor de Blasio's education agenda, which does not include more charters. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is expected to headline the rally, along with several high-profile performers, including Jennifer Hudson.</p>
<p>At the City Council <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">on Wednesday</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>10 a.m., The Committee on Transportation will meet to discuss a bill that would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to conduct a study on the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists along bus routes. DOT would then institute new safety measures based on the data. The Committee will also discuss a bill that would require the identification of dangerous intersections based on incidents involving pedestrians, and implement curb extensions in such areas. The Committee will also make a decision on resolutions that would require the MTA to instal rear guards on bus wheels and to study ways to eliminate blind spots for buses.</li>
<li>Also 10 a.m., The Committee on Aging will hold an oversight hearing on older adult employment.</li>
</ul>
<p>At 10 a.m. <a href="http://www.eastriverfiftiesalliance.com/" target="_blank">The East 50s Alliance</a> will hold a community rally to protest the planned construction of a 900-foot tower in the 58th street residential area. The residents are "deeply concerned that the tower will diminish the safety, accessibility and livability of a narrow side street during a lengthy construction process and forever after." City Council Member Ben Kallos will speak.</p>
<p>At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Vivertio, along with Council Members Paul Vallone and Vincent Gentile and others, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1500786460235939/" target="_blank">will hold</a> a Celebration of Italian Heritage at the Council Chambers in City Hall. The event will also celebrate Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday.</p>
<p>From 6 to 8 p.m. at Fordham Law School, The Safety Net Project at the Urban Justice Center and the Women's City Club of New York&nbsp;<a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/this-bridge-called-my-back-women-of-color-and-the-fight-for-economic-security-tickets-17973743952" target="_blank">will host</a> "This Bridge Called My Back: Women of Color and the Fight for Economic Security", on "how gender intersects with economic and racial inequality in New York City." Dr. Christina Greer, professor of political science at Fordham University, will moderate the panel, with Linda Sarsour, Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York; Luna Ranjit, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Adhikaar; Joanne N. Smith Founder and Executive Director of Girls for Gender Equality; and Margarita Rosa, Executive Director of National Center for Law and Economic Justice participating in the discussion.</p>
<p>Wednesday's City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>CM Elizabeth Crowley (District 30, Queens) 6 pm</li>
<li>CM Helen Rosenthal (District 6, Manhattan) 6 pm</li>
<li>Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (District 8, Manhattan/Bronx) 6 pm</li>
<li>CM Mathieu Eugene (District 40, Brooklyn) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Antonio Reynoso (District 34, Brooklyn/Queens) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Karen Koslowitz (District 29, Queens) 7 pm</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Thursday<br /></strong>On Thursday <a href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/Calendar.aspx" target="_blank">at the City Council</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>9:30 a.m., Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises will meet to discuss three land use applications in Manhattan.</li>
<li>10 a.m., Committee on Finance will meet regarding the Department of Finance's Office of the Taxpayer Advocate.</li>
<li>11 a.m., Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses will meet to discuss a land use application in Brooklyn</li>
<li>1 p.m., Subcommittee on Planning, Dispositions and Concessions will meet to discuss another land use application in Brooklyn</li>
</ul>
<p>Thursday at the New York State Legislature: the&nbsp;Assembly Standing Committee on Health, Assembly Standing Committee on Mental Health, and Assembly Task Force on People with Disabilities <a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/Health/20150911/" target="_blank">will hold</a> a joint public hearing regarding Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Services. "The Committees are seeking oral and written testimony from patients and their families, clinicians, service providers, and the Department on topics including the incidence, severity and consequences of TBI; treatment and service appropriateness and availability, including the rights of patients sent out-of-state; and issues relating to the transition of the TBI Waiver program to managed care."</p>
<p>At 9 a.m. Thursday New York State Assembly Members Latoya Joyner and Marcos Crespo <a href="https://events.gybo.com/events/132/detail" target="_blank">will kick off</a> "Let's Put Our Cities on the Map," sponsored and hosted by Google at the Bronx Museum of Arts, which will offer free counseling for small businesses on how to reach local customer bases, specifically by using "SmartLogic" online tools.</p>
<p>"The next public meeting of the New York City Campaign Finance Board will be held on Thursday, October 8 at 10:00 AM."</p>
<p>At 5 p.m. Thursday, EmblemHealth and LaborPress <a href="http://laborpress.org/sectors/municipal-labor/2900-laborpress-honors-heroes-of-labor" target="_blank">will honor</a> 12 labor union members, from eight different labor unions, for their remarkable contributions to the labor communities at the fourth annual "Heroes of Labor Awards". EmblemHealth has invited many city elected officials to speak, several are expected.</p>
<p>At 6 p.m. Thursday in Washington, D.C., the Brennan Center for Justice and Vox <a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/politics-of-participation" target="_blank">will hold</a> "The Politics of Participation: Building an Engaged Citizenry for Millennials and Beyond," including City Council Member Eric Ulrich. It is billed as "a candid conversation about what the shifting demographic landscape means for grassroots movements, political action, and civic engagement; how can we shape our democracy into one that is truly representative of the people being governed?"</p>
<p>At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, the Brooklyn Historical Society <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-changing-face-of-activism-tickets-17896902116" target="_blank">will hold</a> "The Changing Face of Activism," which will explore the historical progression of activism from the 1960s desegregation movement to the present day Black Lives Matter movement. Moderated by Alethia Jones, a leader of 1199 SEIU, the panel will feature activist Barbara Smith; Joo-Hyun Kang of Communities United for Police Reform; and Jose Lopez, Lead Organizer at Make the Road NY and member of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing.</p>
<p>At 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Dan Abrams of ABC News&nbsp;<a href="http://www.92y.org/Event/Ray-Kelly-in-Conversation" target="_blank">will talk</a> with Ray Kelly, the longest-serving NYPD Commissioner, at the 92nd Street Y. Kelly will hold a book signing for his new memoir Vigilance: My Life Serving America and Protecting Its Empire City, after his talk with Mr. Abrams.</p>
<p>Thursday's City Council Participatory Budgeting <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">events</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>CM Steve Levin (District 33, Brooklyn) 5 pm</li>
<li>CM Jimmy Van Bramer (District 26, Queens) 6 pm</li>
<li>CM Antonio Reynoso (District 34, Brooklyn/Queens) 6:30 pm</li>
<li>CM Karen Koslowitz (District 29, Queens) 7 pm</li>
<li>CM Ydanis Rodriguez (District 10, Manhattan) 8 pm</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Friday and the weekend<br /></strong>Friday at 8:15 a.m., NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton <a href="https://nyls.wufoo.com/forms/william-bratton-citylaw-breakfast/" target="_blank">will speak</a> at New York Law School, as part of the CityLaw breakfast series.</p>
<p>Weekend <a href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/pb/events.shtml" target="_blank">participatory budgeting</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Friday, CM Antonio Reynoso (District 34, Brooklyn/Queens) 1 pm.</li>
<li>Saturday, CM Carlos Menchaca (District 38, Brooklyn), time TBA.</li>
<li>Sunday, CM Carlos Menchaca (District 38, Brooklyn), time TBA.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>*Note: we'll publish our next 'Week Ahead' on Monday, October 13 given the Columbus Day holiday</em></p>
<p>***<br />Have events or topics for us to include in an upcoming Week Ahead in New York Politics? E-mail Gotham Gazette executive editor Ben Max any time:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com"></a><a href="mailto:bmax@gothamgazette.com">bmax@gothamgazette.com</a>&nbsp;(please use "For Week Ahead" as email subject).</p>
<p>***<br />by Colin O'Connor, Konstantine Beridze, and Ben Max<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/GothamGazette" target="_blank">@GothamGazette</a></p>